Amazon Prime(d) for Adventure

Each week we share great deals from online vendors to help outfit you for adventure. There are so many ways to purchase outdoor gear and apparel online, yet we'd be remiss not to share more about Amazon. No surprise, it continues to grow its offerings, but you may not know that it also curates channels specifically for outdoor gear and apparel brands.

So why would you want to choose to purchase gear from Amazon instead of from another online retailer? For one reason: Amazon Prime.

Amazon's Outdoor Recreation channel features storefronts for many of our favorite outdoor brands, including Osprey, Marmot, Kelty, Black Diamond, Mountain House, MSR, and many others. Most of these brands offer special deals for Amazon Prime members, and you'll get the gear shipped to you for free in two days or less. The plan pays for itself if you find yourself ordering a few larger products each year, especially if you like the other Prime benefits from their video channels, music streaming services, you like to read e-books, or you shop at Whole Foods. And if you sign up for an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, you can also get 15% cash back on almost 2,500 outdoor items.

If you are in the market for these items, Prime is going be a great option to consider if you are looking for the best price and best way to get it fast.

Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier

With the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, this $749.95 cargo carrier from Thule, which comes in four sizes, will earn you $112.49 in cash back rewards. That pays for almost the full year of Prime, an extra $37.49 compared with REI's 10% dividend. There are many more Thule racks and products to choose from on Amazon.

MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent

This highly rated tent from one of our favorite outdoor gear brands is $449.99 on Amazon. With 15% cash back, the tent is just $382.49.

Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy

Mountain House is our go-to meal for backpacking and camping trips. Just add boiling water and your meal is served. Prime card members get an additional 15% back on all Mountain House products, and delivery happens fast. Plan a last minute trip and get the food you need at an unbeatable price.

We've saved the best part for last. Amazon lets you try out Prime for free for 30 days.