Count me suspicious when someone starts a thread about something generic like "touring gear" and then magically produces a somewhat obscure URL a few posts later. It makes me wonder whether there is an affiliate relationship or something similar going on...
The term "touring gear" is a bit broad, but I still like to drop through my local bike shop for bicycle-specific stuff including sometimes clothing. Depending on camping related items, I also like some brick and mortar stores including local REI [1], Dick's Sporting Goods, etc. Basic stuff I might even find at a Walmart.
As far as internet related things, it depends a bit on what I already know about the product. Certain categories of panniers (not that I buy them often), I can order online. Similarly, I've bought online from places that sometimes had physical presence (e.g. performance) and also some things from Nashbar. I've ordered maps from Adventure Cycling.
[1] Full disclosure: I am a REI co-op member and Adventure cycling member but don't have other affiliations with any of the other items mentioned above.
Last edited by mev; 02-26-19 at 03:53 PM.