Truck Camping Photo Thread

Their quality has gone down. I used to really like Keen but they fall apart too soon.

 

Thanks, you just reminded me to never buy another pair of Keens.

The economy of the whore:

• TNF... used to be great, 'til they tried to make fleece for every sorority girl on the planet. now, shit
• LOWA - great boots, fifteen years ago, now everywhere, mass produced shit that barely lasts a season
• REI - bought my first climbing rope there in 1986, last time I went to one the douchenozzle kid says "I'm not sure we carry carabiners..." but told me there was a free clinic on blogging about urban adventure walking in the WiFi enabled serenity area or some shit.
• Patagonia - wouldn't dress my dog in it anymore.
• LL Bean - Pu_lease, there's a million serious Maine outdoorsmens' graves from the last century that look like they've been rototilled...
• Keen - first pair was indestructible, now half the weight, worthless munky dung that falls a part if you try to walk up carpeted stairs
• Outdoor Research, MSR, Thermarester, TEVA and a thousand others... sold their soul for the easy money of mass distribution.
• Etc.

They all start out great, but then start to chase the serious volume cash. Next thing you know, they're telling you to believe that 'engineered extreme hyperlight' is actually something different than cheap, skimpy, worthless junk.

My advice: look for the slightly over-priced, small start-up company, but expect to have to switch brands in 5-10years.

 

Actually, I think Patagucci is the only one that still has integrity (style is questionable). They haven't sold their soul like Yon's friend from TNF did.

 

Camped at kyles Landing near Ponca, AR. Got to see some elk and heard one bugle for the first time!

 

i have a 2 year old pair of the classic keen leather top sandals, they are as well made and lasting as well as the ones I bought 10 years before that. I wear them daily when the weather is right, AND around the house. I wasn't impressed with the keen casual shoes I tried, however.

 

ditto I have a pair that I love that I wear when It's warm out

 

Some I agree, some I do not.

All of my Keens are at least a few years old.

I have not had Lowa since the late '70s. Not the same.
REI, I cannot believe they call themselves a Co-Op still. Only one year warranty because of profit issues.
TNF, mall hikers supply store. It used to be awesome.
LL Bean. I do not know, it has been 4-5 years since I was there.

Pategonia is still privately owned and has great support.
OR, MSR, Cascade Designs I still get great products and excellent customer support.

Ken in NC

 

As far as gear, I maintain my brand allegiance to Mystery Ranch (formerly Dana Designs) and that's about it anymore...

 

and.. I don't hate my Keens, they're just cheap junk now and I accept this.

 

Imelda Marcos eat your heart out...

 

Yeah, too bad the internet doesn't have 'smellavision'...

 

While i can't speak to the Co-Op, lets be fair - the lifetime return policy was abused to hell and back; it wasn't about just "profits".. it was about people returning totally worn out shoes, years old electronics, and other totally busted merchandise that they could do nothing with. I appreciated knowing that they REALLY stood behind their products, i read daily about people abusing it in inventive ways; i was not surprised when they changed it.

 

Yea Crom!

 

Maybe, but what about the former REI CEO (Sally Jewell) becoming Secretary of The Interior and magically approving new USNPS policy on her way out the door allowing corporate advertising in National Parks and Monuments..?

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/20...reeping-corporate-influence-on-national-parks

 

Did a 3 day/2 night camping trip this weekend. Took no pics as usual.

I feel like Ive got my set up dialed in pretty well to where Im satisfied with how everything works together.

Except I killed my battery over the weekend. I usually idle the truck for a few minutes every hour or so when Im using all my auxiliary lighting. Drank too much this weekend and got lazy and forgot to do that. Luckily, I carry a small jump pack so I was able to get it started no problem.

Now I need to address this problem....

 

Solar panel?

 

Isolated dual battery most likely.

 

The thought of putting more weight on the left side of my truck

 

Hahahahaha.

 

First time to take my new truck out. We’ve got a little campground in SE Oklahoma that we really enjoy.