So, i spend my entire day typically staring at a computer screen for work. When i'm not at work, i prefer not to still be staring at a screen. So my question is, who still offers print catalogs that are related to backpacking/camping?
I enjoy looking, dreaming, drooling over current products/equipment the old fashion way
For general dreaming, Campmor does - though it's still in the endearing line-drawings-on-newsprint-paper that was so popular back in the 90's (1890's, just to be clear.)
REI, LL Bean, Moosejaw and other retailers still send seasonal, by-interest, or other abbreviated catalogs, but none that I know of offer full-range print catalogs.
I've been able to pick up reasonably complete-line catalogs from Outdoor Reasearch, Big Agnes, and other gear makers at my local backpacking shop.
I can see the financial aspect of it along with the sheer amount of products coming out, but it still stinks. I'm only 37 but i can remember looking at Campmor as far back as memory goes. Thinking of the Campmor catalog, i vaguely remember some other weird catalog i used to get when i was younger..... you could buy blow dart guns, throwing stars, night vision stuff, etc. all kinds of stuff that parents today would go bonkers over. I sure miss the good 'ol days!
In the words of Carly Simon: "THESE are the good old days."
As much as I also miss catalogs, I'll willingly trade them for the easy availability of gear that is so much better than what we carried 30 or 40 years ago.
There is one thing that online "catalogs" have that old print catalogs didn't: user reviews. Granted, 75% are worthless ("This pack rocks!" And other 3 or 4 word "reviews.") However, the rest often contain significant performance and design information that isn't in the product descriptions (which, like catalogs, are mostly marketing hype.) There are also multiple photos of most products, and some 360-degree rotatable pictures that I find very informative.
Excuse me - I need to go chase some crummy kids off my yard. (I became legally empowered to do so two birthdays ago.)
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!