General gripe

Teachyboy

Member
I remember when North Face wasreally good stuff now it's just overpriced fashion swag for people that don't spend much time out in the woods. They still make some good stuff but generally make crap. Mountian hardware seems to be heading in that direction. I don't mind spending good money on good equipment but 60 bucks for a tshirt made in China is ridiculous.
 

shade

Well-known member
It's up to the shopper to separate the good from the looks-good.

Eddie Bauer is an example of a company that started out with technical clothing, moved fully into mass goods, and has recently been trying to regain some of their old cred with their First Ascent line.
 

ZMagic97

Explorer
I have, and still do, really like Eddie Bauer. There certainly are different items for different uses (outdoors and weekend t shirts).

I have found many brands for outdoors and sports alike have followed this path. I used to really like Nike shoes for example, but I no longer find them as comfortable and long lasting, but the prices have not gone down.
 

Hilldweller

SE Expedition Society
For t-shirts, you should check out Russell Athletics dri power series at walmart. They last forever. They are headquartered in KT. $8-15
Them and a company called 32 degrees ---- great base layers at a fraction of the cost of boutique stuff.


My fancy REI-bought (forget the brand) rain hat stopped being waterproof. $40 hat.
Got a $9 Marine camo WP hat that works better. It's not fancy but my noggin is dry.
 

luthj

Engineer In Residence
When investors come on board, they want continual growth. Once you top out in the specialist gear category, you need to expand into the mass market categories. Which means a lower price point. Or sometimes the same price point, with much higher margins (due to cheaper stuff).

There are and will continue to be comitted small batch manufacturers who make custom high grade gear for pros and high level amateurs. They don't advertise or sell at big box stores, they have small storefronts, often on the web. Word of mouth, and invite only sometimes.
 
Last edited:

Laps

Active member
North Face clothing has been poor and over priced for over a decade. First Ascent makes good quality gear, and catch it on sale for 50% off. I don't buy ANYTHING full price anymore regarding large corporate merchandise. That said, you are still better off finding 'cottage industry' items, both clothing and gear, and often on sale. Even Snow Peak will have gear dramatically reduced in price. Patagonia, is still, regardless of the pundits, good quality. They will have a 50% off sale, on select items, beginning Feb 7th and running for ten days. If you are willing to search, and wait for the sales, then you can find pretty much anything you are in need of.
 

bas157

Member
Eddie Bauer, Gerry, Orvis, and some others I can't remember are showing up at Costco no. No way are they the same quality they use to be. At least I think Gerry use to have decent stuff? Pickup up a pair of Eddie Bauer pants on clearance thursday night for $10 (some kind of stretchy material, for $10 figure hard to go wrong)
 

dcg141

Adventurer
I have been buying some military surplus stuff recently. Mostly the ECWCS. The base layers are great and really inexpensive. The level 5 pant and jacket are super comfortable and lightweight. Only downside is everything is camo but it works well. All American made and very functional. I'm also a big fan of the Eddie Bauer First Accent.
 

TripLeader

Explorer
I have been buying some military surplus stuff recently. Mostly the ECWCS. The base layers are great and really inexpensive. The level 5 pant and jacket are super comfortable and lightweight. Only downside is everything is camo but it works well. All American made and very functional. I'm also a big fan of the Eddie Bauer First Accent.

I've been able to find a couple ECWCS pieces in OD green. I find it more pleasing than camo for my needs.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,527
Messages
2,875,534
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top