Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I need an REI Kingdom 6 or 8.

 

Ordered this Hilleberg Enan for a trip this fall. Should be the last thing I need!

 

Hilleberg.

 

Anyone use a bushbox to camp with?
A friend gave me one years ago, but never have used it.
May pull it out for fun.

 

It was the 4th of july sale. It wasn't a very big sale, no coupons or anything with this one either.

 

30% on a good many items. Several tents were on sale, can't remember what they were

 

I kind of feel like REI is becoming or already has become a Starbucks.
They are everywhere & their prices are too high. I'm growing tired of my local REI and would like to check out other stores that sell backpacking & outdoor gear. Here in Santa Barbara we have Mountain Air Sports http://www.mountainairsports.com/
as well but, I'd like to find somewhere else to check out.
I do recall seeing some larger camping/outdoor store around the Magic Mountain area as we were going south so that we could get on the 14 North
And while I'm venting a bit, I'd also like a way to bypass Mojave....maybe a more scenic way to get up to the 395 North. Time for me to start checking some road maps...

 

REI has been the Starbucks of outdoor gear since I became a member maybe 6 years ago, and a bit more expensive than other avenues of purchase - but I like and can see their support here locally with clean ups and trail building, which I'll pay a little extra for. Their return policy is pretty great as well, even since it's been restricted to 1 year after purchase (as it should have been).

We have a locally owned store here called Sonoma Outfitters, and the store was half size or 2/3 of REI and was almost entirely clothing and footwear, with small sections for kayak, backpacks, sleeping bags, cooking, water, etc,. Service wasn't as good, prices were generally more than REI by 10% +/-, and if I needed something specific, I couldn't walk in and get it. I could at REI, which is mainly the reason I continue to go there - they always have what I need, or I can order it from the website. They also carry Tall stuff on the website which is extremely hard to find when it comes to outdoor gear or clothing, and I can buy size 15 Merrell's there.

Are they a bit of the retail devil? For sure. But they're also doing a lot of good, and I've found the REI brand products to be pretty damn good that I've used, which is a tent and several packs, various clothing. Marmot is local to me, but has no store front, so REI makes that easy.

Anyhoo.. fuck REI, but softly.

 

Our REI has turned to shit. They just don't seem to carry any good manufacturers anymore. Seems like they're picking up more and more North Face products. I want to see the good old brands like Marmort, OR, Arc Teryx, SmartWool, Patagonia, not this cheap China made stuff. I like to support local and walking in is nice but anymore I'll just ordered it.

 

Arcteryx is imported and has been for years. Only their highest end gear was made in Canada still, and I'm pretty sure that has gone to China or Vietnam now.

 

Yep! They're overrated anyways.

 

That's It!

It seems like everything I see on the shelf for sale these days was manufactured in China...and I'm tired of it.
If it was just some select things...than I can understand, but, It Isn't. This has gone way too far.

Here are 2 recent examples that just put me over the edge on this subject:

1) While obtaining equipment & supplies for my recent backpacking trip that I went on with my lady, one of the items I was on the hunt for was a plain old bandana. I recall having one as a kid and realized that for extended hikes and time out in the back country/woods/outdoors having a Bandana is a must. It helped me by keeping my body temp down as I always had it freshly dipped in cold mountain water and had it around my neck. In any case, as I inspected the traditional design further...it said "Made In China". That just didn't sit right with me. I mean, these pieces of cloth are iconic in the American culture....Cowboys, etc.

2) Upon returning home from our 4th of July outings, I noticed that my son had acquired a couple hand held American flags that displayed "Made In China" on them. That's where it really rubbed me wrong....I mean, Here I am, just getting home on the 4th Of July holding and American flag that says "Made In China" on it. You've got to be kidding me! If that's not wrong & a sing that things need to change....I don't know what is.

Sorry for the Rant but, I just don't think it's right

 

There are companies and businesses that are home grown or endorse quality manufacturing in their process (Patagucci).
Try to seek those out, they are there, sometimes hard to find, but they are there.

 

Here is some nice camping gear, have a look at the bimobil site...

http://www.bimobil.com/modell/bimobil-ex-280/?lang=en

 

Patagucci = Patagonia ?

 

Yes.

 

Because it's pricey and trendy.

 

It is pricey. It really is the only stuff that I use for outdoor clothing. I agree with their philosophy and mission. The quality is top notch.
I don't think I have paid full price for any of it though. I either wait until a sale (can't be picky about colors, etc) or know people that have access to pro-form pricing.