Also, the cottage manufacturers can't produce the volume needed for the big chains like REI to bother stocking. Lightweight backpacking gear is also still a niche market.

EDIT: That being said, my favorite manufacturer is Tarptent!


Edited by OregonMouse (04/22/10 06:26 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey