One thing that hasn't been mentioned here is amortization (cost over time). I bought my Patagonia base layers over 20 years ago and still have them. Same for my sleeping bag. Granted the bag hasn't got that many nights on it, but still, it has lasted a long time. The Patagonia layers do have a lot of days on them and are still in great shape.
Cheap gear tends to fall apart far sooner than better gear. However, I have a no name (literally) day pack that has thousands of days on it and it's still in excellent shape, so even that isn't always true.
I agree Tom. You do generally speaking, get what you pay for.
Out of my three bags, the cheap synthetic shows the most wear but has seen the least use-- probably no more than 14-15 nights per year (during the hight of summer). The bag will be on its third season this year, so call it 30 days of use so far.
But like you say, that is not always the case. I also have a pair of cheap Hi-Tek trail runners that due to rather embarrassing circumstances I had to purchase. Low and behold I still use them, granted they are beat up, but are far more comfortable than my hiking boots, and the footwear that I was wearing at the time of purchase.
I have a "yukon gold" generic merino top that I got at costco for the princely sum of 10 dollars, I've used it for years - and what's annoying is I've never found them again there! that's the hazards of costco.
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
I also have several Patagonia items that are over twenty years old and still going strong. Since I live in P's home town, I have been able to take advantage of sales - the best is a 20 year old fleece jacket that I bought for $15, and it is even the best color, fire engine red (15 degrees warmer than any other color).
Remember, Patagonia started out as a cottage industry, except Chouinard didn't even have a cottage, just a pickup truck.
Like I said looking at boots is what set me off. I don't mind paying top dollar for equipment I know is going to last. But the boots and shoes I saw wouldn't last anytime I believe. Decided what I'm going to do is buy another pair of Justin work boots, like my everyday pair, except I won't get the steel toe one's. Did an 8 mile hike in my work boots with no problems and don't expect any with these. Plus their are worht the money.
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Lost? Ain't never been lost! Fearsum confused for 2 or 3 months but never lost.
Indeed. I'm actually thinking since I'll probably drag yet another newbie down skyline this year again (and I like it even though it'd be my bazillionth time down it) that I'll actually hand the newb my regular kit, and see how cheap I can put together a "white trash hiking kit" from the second hand store, goodwill, diy, and food only from the grocery store and do it that way..
Either that or do it totally retro, with no nylon or plastic allowed - but that's harder
That sounds like a fun challenge. We almost had the single trip to a Super Wal*Mart challenge last September. That could have been fun.
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"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not." Yogi Berra
Like I said looking at boots is what set me off. I don't mind paying top dollar for equipment I know is going to last. But the boots and shoes I saw wouldn't last anytime I believe. Decided what I'm going to do is buy another pair of Justin work boots, like my everyday pair, except I won't get the steel toe one's. Did an 8 mile hike in my work boots with no problems and don't expect any with these. Plus their are worht the money.
I just dropped $250 on a pair of Zamberlan Civettas. I have put about 65 miles on them in the last 6 weeks and have had 0 issues. The same cannot be said for my Salomons and Merrells that both bruise the top of my foot.
I also plan on having my Civettas for 10-15 years (if not more), so they are worth it. In my opinion, boots are the most important piece.
That being said, I have hiked and scrambled many a mile in the Dolomites wearing a pair of trusty Adidas Sambas. Of course, I was 17-19 back then and even more stupid than I am now.
Edited by dolomiti (03/02/1010:46 AM)
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If you go hiking with friends, there are many plans to coordinate; if you go hiking alone, you can leave right now.
But I think what is important to note, is that if you really want to go backpacking - you can almost gear yourself up from Goodwill or army surplus or second hand shops. Get out and get going - then prioritize what you want in improvements, save pennies and add a new piece of gear every year.
Indeed. I'm actually thinking since I'll probably drag yet another newbie down skyline this year again (and I like it even though it'd be my bazillionth time down it) that I'll actually hand the newb my regular kit, and see how cheap I can put together a "white trash hiking kit" from the second hand store, goodwill, diy, and food only from the grocery store and do it that way..
Either that or do it totally retro, with no nylon or plastic allowed - but that's harder
Can you silicon coat silk? Have a silicon coated silk tarp/tent and add a sleeping bag with a silk shell and down insulation, wool clothes, leather boots, oiled canvas rain gear, etc..
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Just want to reiterate, The North Face is not hiking or backpacking gear, it's yuppie gear! The same is true with most of what you see at REI--while claiming to be a store for hikers and backpackers, it's really for yuppie wannabees! That's why it's so expensive and, usually, so heavy.
This is a lightweight backpacking site and most of us shop on the internet for the best bargains. The innovative lightweight gear most of us use is available only from "cottage industries" who sell mostly on the internet. Unlike the mainline gear producers, they're more interested in tinkering and coming up with new ideas than in making an enormous profit.
If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles for beginners and on gear selection listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site.
Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, including low-budget alternatives.
You'll also find that most of us on this forum backpack in trail runners rather than boots. I'm a very recent convert, since I tried the trail runners and found that my feet, ankles and knees are far more comfortable and far better supported in trail runners with good anti-pronation control than in boots. No way would I ever go back to boots, except in snow.
Edited by OregonMouse (03/02/1003:01 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
[quote=phat] Can you silicon coat silk? Have a silicon coated silk tarp/tent and add a sleeping bag with a silk shell and down insulation, wool clothes, leather boots, oiled canvas rain gear, etc..
Silicone dope is still in a plastic polymer.. forget it. it's modern.
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