READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION

Posted by: TomD

READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/09/13 07:17 PM

How would you answer this question:" I want to buy a car, what should I buy?"
If you answered "How the heck would I know what you need?" (which is the right answer, by the way), then you understand why similar questions about backpacking gear get the same kind of responses.

If you want to get a meaningful answer to your "what do I need?" question, then do the following:

1. Tell us a little about yourself - experience makes a difference in what may be suitable for you. Doesn't have to be much, "I'm a newbie" says it all.

2. Tell us what you want and how it will be used, if appropriate - cooking for one or cooking for four, that makes a difference.


3. Tell us where it will be used mostly (hint, "everywhere" is not the right answer);

4. Tell us the time of year it will be used or the lowest temperature you will be in; for example, canister stoves don't work well in very cold weather.

5. Tell us your budget range;

6. Tell us what's most important - ultralight, cheap, durable, quality, etc.

If appropriate:

7. Tell us your age and size - older campers may want a different pad, for example and bigger or smaller campers may want a bigger tent or smaller bag.

8. Tell us what you don't want,if you know as in "not interested in a hammock," "don't want a heavy pair of boots," "don't want a tarp," that sort of thing.

Example: Hello, I am looking for a lightweight sleeping bag that I will be using for 3 season camping in the Midwest. I probably won't be out in weather any colder than 40F and I have a budget of $200. I'm on a budget, so price is more important than saving a few ounces.

Post something like this and you will be doing yourself a favor. The same questions get asked over and over and those with the most information are the most likely to get answered.

If you are asking about a particular piece of gear or clothing, the same rules apply, so do the same thing. A question like 'I am going winter camping in Yosemite in February at 7500 ft., will a TNF Nuptse be warm enough?' will lead to far more useful answers than just "What do I take to Yosemite?" or "Is the Nuptse a nice jacket?"

ps. This is not official TLB policy, just my own observation. I quit answering generic questions a long time ago and so have other longtime members.

NOTE: THIS LIST IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, IT MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME AS SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED. READ THE COMMENTS THAT FOLLOW. I AM NOT LOCKING THIS THREAD FOR THAT VERY REASON. I MAY INCORPORATE IDEAS FROM OTHER POSTS (AS I DID WITH FRANCO'S) TO KEEP THEM ALL TOGETHER, SO READ THEM AS WELL TO SEE WHERE THEY CAME FROM.

Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/09/13 08:05 PM

I haven't stopped answering generic questions (yet), but the answer is usually pretty short: "We need to know a lot more before we can answer."

Thanks, Tom - great reminder!
Posted by: Franco

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/09/13 09:20 PM

Tom
Can you please add age and size and possibly " don't like".
Age can be relevant to mats for example.
Most can't sleep at 50 on the same mat they did when 20.
Size particularly for tents is important.
The best tent for me at 5'8" can be far too small if you are 6'4"..
(and if you are 6'4" you may want to consider your suggestion to someone that is 6'8"...)
DO NOT LIKE can save a lot of time .
IE A shelter...
What about a hammock ?
Don't like hammocks.
A tarp
Don't like tarps... and so on..
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/09/13 10:58 PM

All good suggestions. I don't know how many of these type questions I've answered with "we need more information," but I know it's a lot! I also find myself skipping them more and more, even though I really want to help newbies get started!

Please, help us help you! We are not omniscient, and most of us do not have a lot of time to waste getting off on the wrong track.
Posted by: TomD

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/10/13 02:36 AM

Great idea Franco. I am going to cut and paste your post into the stickie with some minor editing.
Posted by: Franco

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/10/13 03:30 AM

Tom
It seems to be right, to me, as it is now.

One aspect that I like about this forum ( I infest most of the popular ones...) is the lack of a gang mentality that tends to control some.
So I see here many regular contributors with their own likes/dislikes but not (that it is obvious to me...) a particular agenda.

I hope that valuable members such as the Mouse (and I only mention her just not to embarrass myself and leave off the very many that do regularly contribute...)
can jump in and fine tune the will be "sticky" (if needed...) to make sure that we have guidelines but not too many or too strict.
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/10/13 08:04 AM

goodjob
Posted by: finallyME

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/10/13 10:21 AM

That's it, I am calling OM "the mouse" from now on. smile

Great sticky Tom. This is a common mistake made by many new posters on most forums. It is a common problem. Usually the first couple answers are "tell us more please".

Another thing to consider. Be prepared to hear something you don't like. We all have opinions, and they aren't the same.
Posted by: TomD

Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION - 01/10/13 03:56 PM

Originally Posted By finallyME
That's it, I am calling OM "the mouse" from now on. smile

Great sticky Tom. This is a common mistake made by many new posters on most forums. It is a common problem. Usually the first couple answers are "tell us more please".

Another thing to consider. Be prepared to hear something you don't like. We all have opinions, and they aren't the same.


As they say down under (in OZ anyway) "Struth, mate!"