Costco Membership - Getting Warm and Dry and Snagging a Cheap Meal
Costco warehouse stores are all over the western US and they’re convenient places to head for during bad weather. During some college (and college drop-out) road trips I was pointed at these by a couple who was drifting around the western US and Canada to do some climbing and living in a pickup bed camper. Being warehouse stores with few staff, smelly backpackers aren’t usually chased out and the dry, climate-controlled indoors are a welcome relief from cramped cars and tents. Costco also runs gas stations in their parking lots that are often the cheapest fuel in small towns, by a nickel or more per gallon. Don’t forget about stocking up on bulk “luxury-camping” foods for days base camp, especially if you’ve flown into an area with nothing but pre-packed dehydrated meals.
Not only do they offer low prices on bulk Ramen noodles, Costco always has a concession stand with plenty of off-the-ground seating. Plus, the concession stands always have sizable roofs and are often inside the warehouse (great during freak snowstorms). Not to mention that they serve a huge slice of decent pizza for about $1.50. If you’re really scrounging for grub, search for free food samples in the store. I never found a reliable schedule for samplings, but local, long-term campers and climbers can usually pinpoint the best days and times to pick up free, hot samples and salty snacks.
Just two warnings, a membership isn’t required for the concession stand, but making purchases requires a $45 annual membership and they only take cash or Discover cards. Still, here’s a coupon for a $10 gift certificate when you sign up for the Costco membership.