Outdoor stuff/kit
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,750
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?
#2
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Chorlton
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?
NC Penguin
#3
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,750
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
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
NC Penguin
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).
#4
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Chorlton
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?
Columbia clothing
REI (www.rei.com) - EVERYTHING
Eastern Mountain Sports (www.ems.com) - EVERYTHING
Patagonia is popular but way overpriced.
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,113
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.
#6
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,220
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.
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.
#7
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.
#8
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Chorlton
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?
Have fun !
#9
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.
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.
#10
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Chorlton
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?
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,271
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.
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.
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Angry White Pyjamas
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.
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.
Last edited by AmerLisa; Jan 3rd 2006 at 3:31 pm.
#13
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Angry White Pyjamas
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.
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.
#14
Back where I belong!
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
Posts: 5,989
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Celtic_Angel
It's cold here...I've actually been wearing jeans instead of shorts
#15
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,174
Re: Outdoor stuff/kit
Originally Posted by Chorlton
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?
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.