Buy for durability, not flashiness...
Feb 28 '00
I've seen too many people buy the latest, most expensive camping toys because they looked too pretty to pass up. In most cases, these commercially hyped-up devices are either unimportant camping accessories, or fail at their designed task. There are a few rules that I'll itemize in a minute, regarding how you should go about buying equipment, but there are a few general rules as well. Basically, buy equipment that looks like it will last you a long time. Don't buy equipment you won't need, and don't buy designer equipment unless it's the only brand of product that sells what you need. OK, here's the list:
--Buy durable products
Whether you have to look around on epinions.com before you can tell, or if you've gotten yourself to the point where you can tell by looking at equipment whether or not its durable, don't get screwed on a purchase. All good camping gear should last you at least a generation (certain items not included, like disposable stuff, obviously.) Common sense rules here. If you are buying a stove, buy the one that best suits your needs, but looks sturdy enough to last you many years. The longevity will be a far better payoff than the stove that was 3 ounces lighter and $40 more expensive. Always go for rugged equipment. Tents and packs should be made of a sturdy material, boots of good leather or synthetics, knives of quality steel. In every category, you should make sure that your equipment is of a high caliber. This does NOT mean that it is the most expensive, or the most advertised equipment, usually this is far from the case. My favorite tent I've ever owned was a low-end Eureka "Scouter" A-frame. While my friends would bring their lighter tents packing and spend 30 minutes pitching, and subsequently packing up their fancy tents, I'd be up and down in 3-4 minutes each way. I've owned that tent for about 10 years now, and I'm sure I'll own it for many more. The key on all of this equipment is to buy for duration, not commercial flashiness.
--Don't shop at designer outfitters unless you have to
I like going to REI and window shopping. I like going to Orvis and browsing around. I rarely buy any equipment at these types of stores, mainly because they have massively inflated prices. They do have great equipment, but it's not neccesary to purchase their equipment unless you have a special need that can't be met at a lower price by some other outdoors store. In Houston, we have a chain called Academy that sells all sorts of equipment for a fraction of the price of REI. There should be comparable types of stores around the country, you'll just have to look. Just don't go out and needlessly spend $350 on a backpack when you could have paid $285 for the exact same pack, same brand at a cheaper store.
--Don't buy stuff you don't need
I've seen too many people go out shopping for a big trip, and buy hundreds of dollars worth of equipment that they either don't need, or shouldn't bring. Always be sure of the type of camping you're going to be involved in. If you're not sure what you should bring, or buy, ask the expedition leader. Don't buy gadgets and toys that will only benefit you in one type of environment, when you're going to be living in another. It's more common sense, but it seems to vacate people's minds when they're out shopping.
In closing, just be mindful of what and where you're buying. Don't get wrapped up in preparing for your big adventure until it's time. When you're shopping, keep a level head, and go in with the same mindset as if you were buying a new car. Don't get screwed. If you'd like personalized help with a purchase, feel free to email me at tony@hagale.net and I'd be happy to help you out.
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Epinions.com ID:
thagale
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