I own a couple of Bearikade Expeditions and a Weekender. My wife and
I packed 12 days of food in 2 of the Expeditions. The Weekender is for
shorter trips. I will never wear them out and I hope to get another 25 or
more years worth of trips out of them. I can't say my tents or pack will
last that long.

I bear bagged and hung packs most of the 1990's and I would have one
or more nights on each trip where bears would keep me awake trying to
get me bags out of the tree. I also found it a pain trying to find suitable
trees when in the higher elevation areas. I now use the bear cans and
put ear plugs in and enjoy a nice sleep. I still run into other hikers who
had the unpleasant experience of trying to defend their food.

I justify my paying for my backpacking gear by the savings of camping out
verses paying for hotel rooms while on vacation.