has any one used backcountrygear.com? if so are they any good?
just there selling a pack that even with delivery and import duties will have a decent saving.

you might want to factor in that they use UPS as a carrier also, this may cost 10 to 20 quid extra...

A good point. I had to pay an extra £40 for my pack, split between VAT and a handling charge.

Used them, great service. Had stuff delivered to a mate in the US who brought it over on a trip.

Used them several times with no problems.
Delivery and import duties will add to the cost, but if you're buying something that nobody sells in the UK it's worthwhile.

I'd question buying stuff that is available in the UK though - it might be cheaper, but if it turns out to be the wrong size, or damaged, the saving soon vanishes!

NSJ

Was the import duty part of the shipping cost?

I checked the UPS website which when calculating shipping cost asked for an invoice value apparently to calculate duty. So I'm not sure if UPS collect the duty for HMC&E or that was another hit.

No, the shipping cost is just that. USPS doesn't collect the UK duty charges. The courier company or the Post Office levy the Import Duty, VAT and 'Administrative Fee', which has to be paid before you can get your goods (although sometimes courier companies deliver the parcel and then the duties bill arrives a few days later - just after you think that you've avoided them!).

I've used Backcountry.com and would thoroughly recommend them. I ordered a Marmot Helium bag via the web last year whilst on holiday in Florida which they delivered to the hotel that I was staying at. Good customer service and no hassle. I've also brought kit from Rei.com which was delivered to the UK (MSR Dragonfly, MSR non stick cookset and kitchen set). I e-mailed them before ordering to get the correct P&P rates (worked out around £12 I think) and didn't pay duty However, talking to mates who have used them since, they have been stung for VAT.

I'm an expat living in the states and can thoroughly vouch for backcountry gear. I've ordered from them many times - I put another order in to them today in fact.
They're well run, and when my last order wasn't in stock, they phoned me and asked me if I still wanted it as the item wouldn't be in until then end of the week.
I've not had stuff sent to uk though.

Glad to hear there a good company to deal with, i don't normally like importing kit but when i can make big savings after factoring delivery and duties and get a free head light i get tempted.
plus if you put something in your basket and then go to leave the page they offer you 10% discount as well.