Woman modeling outdoor gear for hiking on a trail in the mountains.

Best Way To Save Money On Outdoor Gear

Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Winter / Saturday, November 14th, 2020

Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.

Hands-down, Rakuten is the best way to save money on outdoor gear from outfitters you already shopping with. It’s also one of the simplest ways to save! Rakuten gives you Cash Back, applies all available online coupons, and gives you money for referring others.

Referral fees are paid all over the internet to influencers like myself. Like I mentioned in the affiliate disclosure above, I get paid when you make purchases through many of the product links I provide.

What if you could get those referrals instead of me?

You can with Rakuten!!!

Yep, by signing up for a FREE Rakuten account, you can bypass me and get a referral fee or as they call it Cash Back on all outdoor gear purchases. Well, not only on outdoor gear, your everyday purchases too. During certain special promotions, it’s possible to earn Cash Back that exceeds my affiliate earnings.

Rakuten has ways to save money on outdoor gear from Outdoorplay, Smartwool, The North Face, Cabela's, Bass ProShop, Backcountry and more for your next adventure.

Why Would I Give Up Product Referral Fees?

You may be wondering. What’s the catch? Why would Steve give up referral fees on products sold through OtterBee Outdoors? Three reasons…

  1. Trust: I want to help you where I can. If I can win your trust, you might come back and visit again.
  2. Advertising Revenue: I can earn money not only through affiliate revenue but more so through advertising. The more traffic generated by OtterBee Outdoors the more advertising revenue earned. This is where winning your trust helps my bottom line. Well, one way…
  3. Rakuten Referral: I do get a one-time referral fee if you join through my Rakuten link and make a qualifying purchase.

It’s a win-win for both of us! We both get extra money.

What Is Rakuten?

Rakuten (RACK-uh-ten) is a Japanese affiliate marketing company. One of the largest internet marketing companies in the world.

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where one or more affiliates earn a commission for the promotion sale of other company’s products.

In the case of Rakuten, they’ve partnered with over 2500 stores. Many are outfitters like Backcountry, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s.

When you shop at one of these stores through a link on Rakuten.com, the Rakuten browser extension, or Rakuten app, the store pays Rakuten a referral fee. Rakuten then splits the payout with you.

The store wins. Rakuten wins. You win. Everyone wins!

Rakuten not only pays you the Cash Back referral. You can earn referrals when friends and family sign up through your Rakuten link.

Oh! Rakuten also applies any available online coupons automatically for extra savings.

Shouldn’t all business be done this way? It’s like that famous Zig Ziglar quote…

You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want. ~ Zig Ziglar

Is Rakuten Legit?

Skeptical? Why shouldn’t you be? Sounds a little too good to be true and that would make anyone leery.

What’s the catch with Rakuten? Is Rakuten a ripoff? I assure you it is not! Totally legit!

Rakuten’s reputation:

  • Do you remember Ebates? In 2014, Ebates was acquired by Rakuten, Inc., one of the most highly reputable internet marketing companies in the world. In April 2019, Ebates was fully integrated into Rakuten.
  • Ebates was founded in 1999 and Rakuten in 1997. They’ve been around a long time.
  • Rakuten has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Check out the hundreds of positive reviews on the BBB website.
  • More than 12 million Rakuten members in the U.S. have earned over $1 billion in Cash Back.

Rakuten is definitely doing something right!

They’ve done right by me and my wife, Ashley. My wife got me saving and making money through Rakuten. Let me tell you more about our experience. It’s downright shocking!

My History with Rakuten

For years, my wife had heard people talking about Ebates. She passed it off as some annoying scam and I did too. Fast forward to 2017. A coworker talked Ashley into signing up with the promise of a $10 bonus for making a purchase of $25 or more.

My wife’s thoughts on her decision to join?…

All I can say is WOW!!! I wish I would’ve signed up years ago! ~ Ashley Hood

To date, we’ve earned over $4,000.00! Cha-Ching!!

Shocking right?

Not too shabby for simply clicking a button while shopping online and helping others save money.

The Rakuten Sign-Up Process

Before you can get the Cash Back referral savings and referral bonuses, you need to sign up for your FREE Rakuten account through our sign-up link.

Let me stress, use our Rakuten sign-up link. (Which are any of those on this page.) By using our sign up link, you’ll earn the Rakuten sign-up bonus I mentioned earlier. When Ashley signed up, the sign-up bonus was $10. Over the last year, we’ve seen bonuses as high as $40.

***If you don’t use our sign-up link, you will only get the standard $10 sign-up bonus. ***

At the time of this article, when you sign up and spend $40 within 90 days, you get a sign-up bonus of $40!

What Does the Rakuten Sign-Up Process Look Like?

When you go to Rakuten, you’ll see the following sign-up box:

Rakuten sign up page with a $40 reward for making your first qualifying purchase through Rakuten.

Sign-up bonuses over the last year have ranged from $10 to $40!

Woohoo!!! FREE money right out of the gate!

As a new member, you qualify for the Rakuten sign-up bonus when you make qualifying purchases of a specific dollar amount within the first 90 days. The dollar amount of qualifying purchases varies with the bonus amount.

To be upfront, Rakuten will send us a referral when you qualify for your welcome bonus.

When Ashley signed up, the friend who introduced her to Rakuten received $25. After you’re a qualified member, you can refer and earn referral bonuses too!

Referrals are usually $25. Over the last year, referrals have been as high as $40.

Pretty cool, huh?! Help others get Cash Back for shopping and you get money too!

What Outdoor Stores Can You Shop at Through Rakuten?

Rakuten Sports and Outdoors section with the best outfitters for huge savings and Cash Back.

Rakuten has over 2500 affiliate stores many are outfitters like Backcountry, Outdoorplay, Bass Pro Shop, and Cabela’s. Others like Walmart offer outdoor gear too.

There are over 270 stores listed in Rakuten’s Sports & Outdoors section. Check them out!…

  1. Academy Sports & Outdoors
  2. adidas
  3. Aeropostale
  4. AliExpress
  5. All Volleyball
  6. Allied Shirts
  7. Alo Yoga
  8. Alternative Apparel
  9. Altra Running
  10. ASICS
  11. Athleta
  12. Auburn University Anders Bookstore
  13. Austin Canoe & Kayak
  14. Backcountry.com
  15. BANDIER
  16. Baseball Savings
  17. BaseballMonkey.com
  18. Bass Pro Shops
  19. Beachbody
  20. BFR Bands
  21. Black Diamond
  22. Blain’s Farm and Fleet
  23. BodyBoss
  24. Bogner
  25. Bowflex Shop
  26. BowlersMart
  27. Brooks Running
  28. Bugatchi
  29. bulldog yoga
  30. Burton Snowboards
  31. Cabela’s
  32. Cairn
  33. Callaway Apparel
  34. Callaway Golf
  35. Callaway Golf Preowned
  36. Camp Chef
  37. Camping World
  38. CarCovers.com
  39. Carhartt
  40. Carl’s Golfland
  41. Champion USA
  42. Champs Sports
  43. Christy Sports
  44. Chrome Industries
  45. Columbia Sportswear
  46. Competitive Cyclist
  47. Compex
  48. Cotopaxi
  49. Crocs
  50. Crossrope
  51. Cutters Sports
  52. DailyBurn
  53. Danskin
  54. Deep Discount
  55. DeMarini
  56. Dick’s Sporting Goods
  57. Discount Ramps
  58. DonJoy Performance
  59. Duluth Trading Company
  60. E-Z UP
  61. Eagle Creek
  62. Eastbay
  63. Eastern Mountain Sports
  64. Easy Spirit
  65. eBags
  66. eBay
  67. Eddie Bauer
  68. Engel Coolers
  69. ENVE Composites
  70. Equestrian Collections
  71. Everlast
  72. EvoShield
  73. ExOfficio
  74. Fairway Golf
  75. Fanatics
  76. FansEdge
  77. Fathead
  78. Field & Stream
  79. Field Supply
  80. Final Score
  81. Finish Line
  82. FishUSA
  83. fitbit
  84. FOCO
  85. Foot Locker
  86. Footaction
  87. FootJoy
  88. Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
  89. Fox Racing
  90. FSA Store
  91. G-Form
  92. Gaia
  93. Gaiam
  94. Gander Outdoors
  95. Garmin
  96. GearBest
  97. Getzs
  98. GiftCardMall.com
  99. Golf Apparel Shop
  100. Golf Galaxy
  101. Good Sam Club
  102. GUNNAR Optiks
  103. Harbinger
  104. Hertz
  105. High Sierra
  106. HockeyMonkey.com
  107. Hoka One One
  108. Holabird Sports
  109. Horizon Fitness
  110. HorseLoverZ.com
  111. The House
  112. HSN
  113. Hurley
  114. Hydrow
  115. Inline Skates
  116. JackRabbit
  117. JanSport
  118. Jockey
  119. Joe’s New Balance Outlet
  120. JumpSport
  121. K-DEER
  122. Keen Footwear
  123. Kids Foot Locker
  124. Koral
  125. KT Tape
  126. KUIU
  127. L.L.Bean
  128. LacrosseMonkey.com
  129. Lakeside Collection
  130. Lands’ End
  131. LARQ
  132. Leatherman
  133. Lids.com
  134. LivingSocial
  135. Louisville Slugger
  136. LTD Commodities
  137. lululemon
  138. Man Crates
  139. Manduka
  140. Marika
  141. Marmot
  142. Matrix Fitness
  143. McDavid
  144. Merrell
  145. Mizuno
  146. MLB Shop
  147. Moosejaw
  148. MotoSport
  149. The Mountain
  150. Mountain Gear
  151. Mountain Hardwear
  152. Mountain Warehouse
  153. MountainSteals.com
  154. MPG
  155. MyEvergreen
  156. Myprotein
  157. NASCAR.com Store
  158. Natchez
  159. Nathan Sports
  160. NBA Store
  161. New Balance
  162. NFL Game Pass
  163. NFL Shop
  164. Nike
  165. Nomadik
  166. Nordstrom
  167. The North Face
  168. O’Neill
  169. Oakley
  170. OlympiaSports
  171. Onnit
  172. Openfit
  173. OpenSky
  174. Orion Telescopes and Binoculars
  175. Orvis
  176. Outdoorplay
  177. Overstock.com
  178. Overton’s
  179. Paragon Sports
  180. Patagonia
  181. Petco
  182. Peter Millar
  183. Power Systems
  184. prAna
  185. The Pro’s Closet
  186. ProBikeKit.com
  187. Proviz
  188. PUMA
  189. Putterball
  190. QVC
  191. Rapala
  192. Rawlings Sporting Goods
  193. Reebok
  194. Reef.com
  195. Rheos
  196. Rhone
  197. Road Runner Sports
  198. Rock Bottom Golf
  199. Roller Skate Nation
  200. Running Room
  201. Ryka
  202. S’well
  203. Sam’s Club
  204. Sanuk Footwear
  205. Saucony
  206. Sears
  207. SeatGeek
  208. Seavenger
  209. Shock Doctor
  210. ShoeMall
  211. Shoes.com
  212. Shop.NHL.com
  213. Sierra
  214. Skis.com
  215. SKLZ
  216. SLEEFS
  217. SmartWool
  218. Soludos
  219. Sorel
  220. Speedo USA
  221. Splits59
  222. Sportsman’s Guide
  223. SportsMemorabilia.com
  224. Spy Optic
  225. Stanley
  226. State Line Tack
  227. Steepandcheap.com
  228. Steve Madden
  229. Stio.com
  230. Stitch Golf
  231. StubHub
  232. Summit Sports
  233. SuperStar.com
  234. Takeya
  235. Target
  236. TaylorMade Golf
  237. Teva
  238. Ticket Club
  239. TicketsNow
  240. Tilley Endurables
  241. TinyDeal.com
  242. Titan Fitness
  243. Titan Great Outdoors
  244. TOMTOP
  245. Topman US
  246. Total Gym
  247. Totes
  248. TriggerPoint
  249. TRX Training
  250. U.S. Outdoor
  251. Unbeatable Sale
  252. Under Armour
  253. University of Florida Bookstore
  254. University of Michigan Ulrich’s Bookstore
  255. University of South Carolina Bookstore
  256. Vans
  257. Virginia Tech Hokie Shop
  258. Vision Fitness
  259. Volcom
  260. Waders.com
  261. Walmart
  262. Warriors Shop
  263. Water Outfitters
  264. Wiggle
  265. Wilson Sporting Goods
  266. Woman Within
  267. woot!
  268. WWE Shop
  269. Xtratuf
  270. YCMC
  271. 2xist.com
  272. 4 Wheel Drive Hardware
  273. 5.11 Tactical

How Does Shopping with Rakuten Work?

You’ve signed up for your free Rakuten account… Now you’re ready to save money on your outdoor gear. Head on over to Rakuten.com and check out the deals. There’s Cash Back, daily deals, coupons, and promo codes at many favorite outfitters.

When shopping through Rakuten.com, click on the outfitter you want to activate. Let’s say you want to shop at Backcountry. Click on Backcountry’s link to be taken to a Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page.

Always go to your desired store through Rakuten before making a purchase. It’s how your purchases are tracked and how your Cash Back is calculated.

If you don’t go through, Rakuten.com, the browser extension, or the app you won’t earn the Cash Back reward. There’s no scanning a receipt after the fact.

Backcountry is one of the many outfitters to save money on outdoor gear at Rakuten.

Check out the discounts for extra savings on your outfitter’s Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page and click through one of the “Shop Now” buttons to activate your savings and Cash Back rewards. A verification page like the one below will come up before you’re taken to your store. There’s nothing more you need to do. Just buy your gear as normal.

Rakuten shop now button for saving money on gear at Backcountry.

Rakuten Can Save You Money on Outdoor Gear

Rakuten also saves you money by finding your best deal, coupons, discounts, and promotions.

Daily Deals, Coupons, and Promo Codes

When shopping through Rakuten, you can still use coupons, promo codes, and discounts. No need to scour the web to find them. Rakuten has done it for you.

To apply available discounts to your order, just click the “Shop Now” button next to the discount you want! (See the Backcountry Coupons, Promo Codes & Cash Back page pictured above.)

Have a discount to apply that’s not listed on Rakuten? Just enter it at your store’s checkout like normal.

Discounts on Outdoor Adventures

It’s not gear but may save you a lot on your next adventure. Rakuten has a “Travel and Vacations” section where they have partnered with travel companies, airfare, hotels, car rentals, and much more.

Comparison Shopping with Rakuten

I like caparison shopping before I buy my outdoor gear, especially anything more expensive like a kayak. Comparison shopping is simple with Rakuten. Enter the item you’re looking for in the search bar and they’ll give you a list of stores and available discounts. Crazy easy, right?! Saves a ton of time!

Check out my search for a “Sea To Summit Big River” dry sack…

Rakuten can save you even more money on outdoor gear when you use the comparison shopping feature.

In-Store Pick-Up and Site-to-Store

Want to save on shipping costs? Many of the outfitters that partner with Rakuten offer free in-store pick-up and site-to-store. It’s just another way to save money on outdoor gear.

Refer & Earn

With Rakuten, you can refer others and earn. They’ll get $10+ and you’ll get $25+! The amount varies.

Once you are paid, you can use the referral money to buy more gear.

At the time of this article, when your friend signs up and spends $40 within 90 days, you get a sign-up bonus of $40 and your friend gets $40!

Rakuten has refer and earn opportunities. Refer your friends, family, and others to earn referral bonuses.

Rakuten Shopping Tools

You don’t always have to go to Rakuten.com before making outdoor purchases. You can use the Rakuten Button or the Rakuten App instead.

Rakuten Button

Rakuten has a free browser extension that adds a Rakuten button to notify you if there’s an offer on a site you’re visiting. Just click the button to activate savings.

This is what the Rakuten browser extension button looks like at the Bass Pro Shops website. By clicking on the Rakuten button, you activate the Cash Back and any other savings.

Rakuten App

If you use your phone to shop online, be sure to get the Rakuten App. There are exclusive app features like…

  • Mobile Exclusive Flash Sales
  • App-Only Deals
  • Push Notifications that let you know about deals, Cash Back alerts, and payment alerts.
  • Geo-Push Notifications for in-store savings and Cash Back. The app lets you know if you are at a store that offers in-store rewards.

Rakuten In-Store Shopping Rebates

Rakuten is primarily known for online shopping, but there are in-store shopping rebates to save money on outdoor gear. Check out the “In-Store Cash Back” menu link at Rakuten.com.

When you find an in-store offer you like, click “Link Offer” to link the purchase to a credit or debit card. When you make the purchase in-store using your chosen card, Rakuten automatically applies the offer and Cash Back reward!

Rakuten also has in-store Cash Back offers.

If you happen to be in a store that offers in-store Cash Back, you can use the Rakuten app to link your card to the offer while in the store!

Special Debit Card Instructions

There are special debit card instructions for in-store purchases. Always run the debit card as a credit. Don’t use your PIN! If you do, Rakuten with not receive notification of your purchase and you won’t earn your Cash Back.

How Do You Get Cash Back From Rakuten?

There are three options for receiving money from Rakuten:

  • PayPal
  • Check
  • American Express Membership Rewards points

Your rewards are disbursed on a 3-month schedule… February 15th, May 15th, August 15th, and November 15th.

As long as your Cash Back has added up to at least $5 it will be cashed in. Less than $5 will be carried over to the next pay period.

Rakuten’s Payment Schedule

Purchases PostedPayment Sent
Jan 1 – March 31May 15th
Apr 1 – Jun 30Aug 15th
Jul 1 – Sep 30Nov 15th
Oct 1 – Dec 31stFeb 15th
 

Save Money On Outdoor Gear With Rakuten

Rakuten is a hassle-free way to save on outdoor gear. You can earn money by helping others save too! Love it!

  • Rakuten is FREE!
  • It’s easy to use.
  • Saves me money on outdoor gear at stores I already shop at.
  • Helps my friends and family save money too.
  • Rakuten is the best way I know to save on hiking gear, camping gear, paddling gear, and more!
  • And we have received over $4,000.00 in rewards. That’s huge!

Why wait? Get signed up for your Rakuten account and get your $40 signup bonus and Cash Back rewards for purchasing the gear you love at your favorite outfitters.

Shopping doesn’t get any better than with Rakuten!!!

A woman wearing a backpack hiking in the mountains. The graphic says... Best Way To Save Money On Outdoor Gear.
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