Question 1

Is backpacker.ca really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100% free. No hidden fees, no premium tiers. Just set your alerts and save.

Question 2

Do I need to create an account to use backpacker.ca?

Accepted Answer

Nope! You can set up alerts with just your email. Create an account later if you want to manage multiple alerts in one place.

Question 3

How is backpacker.ca different from other deal sites?

Accepted Answer

Most deal sites show you whatever deals they choose to feature. We flip that: you tell us what you want to pay, and we watch prices across most major outdoor retailers until the price meets your target. One account, one dashboard, alerts from multiple retailers—all in one place.

Question 4

How do price alerts work?

Accepted Answer

When the price drops to (or below) your target price, or when an item comes back in stock, we'll send you an email notification with a direct link to the retailer.

Question 5

Is there a limit to how many items I can track?

Accepted Answer

There's currently no hard limit on the number of alerts you can create, but we recommend tracking items you're genuinely interested in so alerts stay useful and relevant.

Question 6

Can I set multiple price alerts for the same item?

Accepted Answer

At this time, each item can have one target price alert. You can always update or change your target price as needed.

Question 7

How often do you check prices?

Accepted Answer

We check prices at least once daily across all retailers. Hot deals and popular items are checked more frequently.

Question 8

How fast are back-in-stock alerts?

Accepted Answer

Back-in-stock alerts are sent as soon as our system detects availability during a scheduled check. Timing can vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Question 9

Do you offer alerts by text message or app notifications?

Accepted Answer

Currently, alerts are delivered by email and mobile app push notifications. Additional notification options may be considered in the future.

Question 10

How do I stop or manage alerts?

Accepted Answer

You can unsubscribe directly from any alert email or manage your alerts through your dashboard if you've created an account.

Question 11

What are gear lists?

Accepted Answer

Gear lists let you organize products into collections—like a trip packing list, a wishlist, or gear for a specific activity. Every time you create a price alert, you can add that product to one of your lists.

Question 12

Can I share my gear lists with friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can make any list public and share the link with friends. It's great for coordinating group trips, gift ideas, or recommending gear to fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Question 13

Are my gear lists private by default?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all lists are private by default. Only you can see them unless you choose to make a list public and share the link.

Question 14

Which retailers does backpacker.ca support?

Accepted Answer

We support a range of backpacking gear retailers including MEC, Sport Chek, Altitude Sports, SAIL, and many more. If a store isn't currently supported, you'll have the option to request it — retailer requests help us decide which stores to add next.

Question 15

What if the item I want isn't from a supported retailer?

Accepted Answer

You'll be prompted to submit a request to add that retailer. We aggregate these requests across all users to prioritize which retailers to add next.

Question 16

Is my data safe with backpacker.ca?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only use your email address to send the alerts you request. We don't sell your personal data or share it with third parties beyond what's necessary to operate the service.

Question 17

How do I unsubscribe from alerts?

Accepted Answer

Every email has an unsubscribe link. Click it and you're done. You can also manage alerts from your dashboard.

How Can We Help?

Getting Started

Is it really free?

Do I need to create an account?

How is this different from other deal sites?

Still have questions?