Maps and Guides

[kgerman]

Can someone reccommend a store in Mesa or somewhere close to Mesa where I can find topo maps and guides to the Superstition Wilderness? I found some online, but I'm flying down to Mesa in a couple days and wouldn't get the package in time. Thanks.

[Tim]

Wide World of Maps in Mesa on Southern by Fiesta Mall. They've got everything but I'm sure you've received numerous posts to that effect already. Good luck!

[big_load]

In response to Tim's reply:


Ditto. It is among the best map stores anywhere. I have ordered on line from them and received maps within two days. Every time I visit, I buy three times as many maps as I planned.

[Trishness]

Ditto to Tim and Big Load......

Make sure you buy the BEARTOOTH Superstition Map. It not only shows the trails but also gives you topo information. The Tonto edition is nowhere near as good. I also suggest picking up a copy of the Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wilderness.

If they happen to be out at Wide World of Maps, you can always try at REI in Tempe. I know the main library in Mesa has topo maps and they copy them for a $2 fee per map.

Happy Trails!

:mrgreen:

[mttgilbert]

Wide world of maps, REI, and Beartooth maps. All I can do is echo the previous sentiments because (in my opinion) they are right on.

If you stop by REI in tempe, ask for me (matt gilbert) and I can help you find whatever you need.

[montezumawell]

Hey, I have been reading this topic and I have a question. Can anyone truly, truly, really, really claim to have EVER walked into Wild World of Maps and walked out WITHOUT purchasing something? Nah. I don't think so. The place is as addictive as addictive gets. Basically, when I walk into their store, I ask the front desk clerk to take my wallet and then I come back later to pick it up, minus a LOT of dinero. Works every time.

REI is a place to go with great caution. People have been known to refi their home after a productive visit to REI. Especially when Matt is showing you all the gear! But the question here is, "Why Not?" If you have any leftover equity in your home, refinance it and then go to REI and SPEND IT!

You will NEVER regret it!

j

Honest.

[mttgilbert]

REI certainly isn't the most cost effective place to pick up all your gear. I agree that you definately have to shop around to get the best "deals". The one thing we sell that's really, really worth the extra money is the service. REI offers a 100% satisfaction garuntee for the LIFE of any product they sell. That's the kicker. You do have to pay a little extra to get it but we stand behind those products. If for any reason what-so-ever you don't like what you got you can bring it back, no questions asked.

[fairweather8588]

Can anyone truly, truly, really, really claim to have EVER walked into Wild World of Maps and walked out WITHOUT purchasing something? Nah. I don't think so.

I managed to resist, but that's because I remembered that I've got TOPO! Arizona back at home...

[AZHikr4444]

I was in REI AND WWMs yesterday.

Writing my roadsign as we speak...

[Trishness]

I have to admit that REI is a bit pricey but the service you receive there is way above par just due to their return policy. I've bought all my high ticket items there: backpack, sleeping bag, thermarest and if you hit the sales you usually do OK.....especially the garage sale.

I get the rest of my stuff from various websites and on Ebay just because of the screaming deals you can find....especially at

http://www.sierratradingpost.com

Maps and books I get from my local library and then decide if I want to purchase them. I can never get out of WWM without dropping at least $30.

:mrgreen:

[mttgilbert]

For you members; Remember you get 20% off any one item until april third. If you haven't used your coupon yet you better hurry up!

[montezumawell]

REI certainly isn't the most cost effective place to pick up all your gear. I agree that you definately have to shop around to get the best "deals". The one thing we sell that's really, really worth the extra money is the service. REI offers a 100% satisfaction garuntee for the LIFE of any product they sell. That's the kicker. You do have to pay a little extra to get it but we stand behind those products. If for any reason what-so-ever you don't like what you got you can bring it back, no questions asked.

Matt hit on the "bottom line" of REI. It's not like they fly a Big Banner out in front and say---HEY, YOU!----but the bottom line is that they stand by their products. Period. NO ONE else does it like REI. Period. Oh, yeah, North Face and all the rest say they have a "lifetime guarantee." Well, give it a try sometime. Yeah, it's "doable," but not always practical, to attempt to get some "justice" from one of those "lifetime guarantee" people. Kinda like trying to collect rebates.

But with REI? Golden. Pure gold. Period.

And you know the funny thing? I've only returned one purchase to REI. Unused. In the box. Everything else, I've kept and am DANGED PROUD to own! Nicks, scratches, dents and dings and all. I've never ONCE thought of taking something back to REI (except for the above unused item). We've bought it and we've loved it!

That's what a good quality, customer-oriented company OUGHT to be doing. Such a company as REI OUGHT to give you a bombproof return policy and because they would KNOW that you will NEVER need it because you will be so happy to own what they sold to you.

(DISCLAIMER: I returned the item mentioned above "NIB" because I realized I didn't need it. It was an impulse purchase. Most importantly, I returned it in "shelf-ready" condition so they could put it right back out for retail perusal.)

So, hey, AMEN! I am here to give a rousing testimonial for REI.

Cain't beat 'em--might as well join 'em and pay whatever the going freight happens to be for whatever ya need. Yer gonna love it!

j