Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Back in blightly, the best kit for the mountains was Karrimor, Berghaus, Buffalo, Mountain Equipment etc... I dont think that stuff is available here (and I think North Face stuff is overpriced), so to the outdoorsy BE folks, which manufacturers do you trust here?

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

If you want to read user reviews of that kind of stuff, I'm sure you'll find some recent reviews on Epinions .



NC Penguin

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Thanks, but I'm not looking for a particular product - just wondering if Brits here have favourite US brands (theres a bunch I've never heard of).

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Montrail footwear
Columbia clothing
REI (www.rei.com) - EVERYTHING
Eastern Mountain Sports (www.ems.com) - EVERYTHING

Patagonia is popular but way overpriced.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Northface is overpriced, but I remember going into the camping stores in Cambridge and paying a small fortune for puffa jackets similar.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

North face stuff is NOT over priced. It expensive because its so bloody good. I'm on the mountain about 2 or 3 times a week weather and work permitting and wear North Face jacket and pants (700 fill) never been cold yet, infact I've actually sweated in the stuff with all the vents open on a -15F day.

The reason its expensive is that they use goose down as part of the insulation, don't think many others do.

If you're serious about spending loads of time out doors in sub zero temps pay the extra you tight wad and buy the right gear.

Failing that buy Cheapo "Columbia" gear and freeze yer arse off.

Another important thing to remember in freezing outdoor conditions is that "COTTON KILLS". Wear layers and good wool socks etc. Not cotton.

Seriously, buy the North Face stuff.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

My stuff (clothing and packs) is mostly a mixture of REI, Marmot, North Face, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx. Zamberlan for boots. MSR for stoves and cooking stuff. Stuff is expensive, so I get most of it in the sales at REI.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

I have a LLBean coat that is fantastic for everything from skiing to winter hiking, same with their boots. Landsend isnt bad either and also Columbia.

Have fun !

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

We've bought a ton of stuff from EMS and also HTO, (Hudson Trail Outfitters) and almost always tend to go for either North Face or ArcTeryx.

Although it's been a while since we've done anything majorly outdoorsy, for various reasons, what we've bought has performed well and will last for a long time.

Definitely worth shelling out for the best you can afford if you will be getting a lot of use out of it.

You can always chat with the dudes in the outdoor stores about your requirements - they're not just there to take your money, they actually know about the products they're selling.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

I think they have alot more choice out here for out door gear, depends what you are after. I bought timberland hike boots for about $40 and a Section jacket which I swear is made by the same people as Burton. I thought the REI was expensive a little looking around and you can get the same stuff far cheaper.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Im sorry I cant be of help here. I wear cotton shorts and T-shirts all year round in the great outdoors and haven't frozen once yet.

Infact only yesterday we went to Universal and I had to take my T-shirt off so I was more in danger of sunburn than frostbite.

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Get back to your swamp and alligators. :rolleyes: :D

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

It's cold here...I've actually been wearing jeans instead of shorts :(

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

Me too! I hate being the slightest bit cold. It's in the high 70's here, so it's not that cold, but I like it hot!

Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
 

DH and I have Columbia gear for skiing - nice and warm and good quality. We found ours at Burlington Coat Factory - significantly cheaper than outfitters. Of course it's a matter of luck what you find there, but it's worth checking out if there's one near you.