If you can find one, a locally owned backpacking store can be a great source of information. Often they carry used gear or at least have used gear for sale notices at the store! I googled backpacking outfitters in WV and came up with places in, among others, Morgantown, Harpers Ferry (even I've heard of this store), and this one in Huntington, which doesn't have a website, so there's no online info about it:

Franklin Outfitters
945 4th Ave., Suite 205
Huntington, WV 25701
304-522-0649

google is your friend!

Does your college have some kind of outing club? You may be able to rent (cheaply) or borrow gear there--worth a look!


Edited by OregonMouse (04/17/10 12:07 AM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey