clothing article in backpacker magazine

“There is a multi page article in last months Backpacker Magazine regarding clothing. I don't have it here at work, but from what I recall, the prices of the shirts were in the $100 to $200 range - the same thing with the pants.
What is up with that ? I have trouble comming up with that much money for a tent or a backpack. I thought I was splurging when I payed $20 for a Coolmax pullover. Do they think the readers of the magazine actually spend that kind of money ?

wow - I'm really ranting today

sorry - dawn”

“The one with the secrets of Yosemite on the front cover?”

“I'm guessing real backpackers don't buy shirts or pants for that much, unless it's extreme weather stuff. I might put out that much for a parka or snow pants if I needed them, but probably not for shirts and pants.

My guess is those items will never see anything more rugged than a linoleum hallway...”

“I'm guessing the majority of Backpacker magazines readers aren't real backpackers.”

“Shop-shop-shop for clothing. Campmor special deals sometimes rock. REI outlet also. Got some awesome deals at an L.L. Bean store once.”

“Sierra Trading Post rocks too...gotta watch 'em carefully though, sometimes they don't have all sizes...”

“If it is this edition, what shirts are you talking about? The soft shells on page 74-75 are certainly expensive, but I do not know anyone who uses these. The shirts on page 80 range from $80 down.

Pants are another story. Price range from $180 down to $100. Your right here in that I would not spend that much money on a pair of pants. My convertables cost $50 and that was a hard purchace.”

“I need a new TNF Mountain Light.

Any bargains around?”

“Big time Chili! Most people who subscribe use it as a coffee table piece.”

“I buy that stuff, but only if it's on sale at 50% off or more. When my local gear stores have season ending sales, I'm the first one there and pounce on the deals. The prices you speak of are for the rich and or novice, no offense.”

“The rich that would like for people to think that they backpack.

The day I purchaced my Asolo boots (years ago) I was behind a mother buying clothing for her son (back to school clothes) She ended up spending $2800 on stuff he would be wearing to impress people. Made me sick.”

“The readers DO spend that much money. If they didn't than the mag would be filled with reviews of $20 coolmax shirts.

Ever notice that most of their "ultralight" gear reviews are full of "ultralight" five pound + tents?

I love last years gear but if I want it I'll buy it.”

“I pay a lot less than 20 dollars for coolmax shirts.”

“Heeheehee why try to buy something when you can dumpsterdive? couple months ago I found somone had tossed out an tent. All it needed was a new zipper, a patch to repair a hole and some resealing of seems....now I have a four person tent to go car camping with.... :D”

“The only thing I have paid full price for is my Hilleberg Akto. All of my clothing is purchased when it is at least 50 % off. Recently, REI-Oulet had a deal on Royal Robbins Convertable pants for 25.00 per. I jumped on it and bought two pair. Backpacker Mag is aimed at people who will buy high priced gear. So is REI. Sierra Trading Post, Campmor, and REI-Outlet are the only places to shop for clothing and gear. The trade off is that you can't try stuff on to see if it fits and they are usally out of the size I need. I gots lucky with those pants. If you buy something at REI-Outlet, you can take it back a regular store. I say, let'em buy it if they can spend that money.......I'll be looking just as good and functional (clothing wise), as they are at 1/3rd of the costs. You know what they always say "A suckers born every minute".

Jerbear I know has had some real good luck at resale shops!!”

“Ha! Speaking of clothing.....
aussie complimented me on my matching sock cap and coat during our Rocky's backpack.
I told her "Let me assure you, it is a complete accident, both were bought on sale at different times!" ;)”

“Galyan's brand cool max (2) for $17.00 Last couple of weeks.”

“Duofold Coolmax T's $9.95

Only in S, M, and 2XL, unfortunately.”

“My stuff is HERE! I will reporting to the New Gear...Woo hoo thread now....”

“Does anyone know if I can use Campmor as a dependent on my tax returns?”

“Did you provide more than 50% of Campmor's support in 2002?”

“Had to have been close.”

“Duoflod coolmax t-shirts are very cheap, especially quality-wise.”

“I just got to check out that article and saw the prices of some of the clothes. The retail prices of a lot of outdoor and athletic clothing are high, but like others have mentioned the best way to buy it is on sale at discount outlets. I don't know why the prices are so high when they've moved production overseas and pay the workers 20 cents per hour to sew them.”

“'cause they got to pay fer the MAN's vay kay, and multiple Mistresses.....”

“I think it's all about greed. If they can charge those prices and get it, it seems to me they can still make money sewing the clothes in this country.”

“....but they won't make as much profit......they have become depenant on that cash!”

“I was shocked at those prices. I buy the my shirts at Dick's at the end of season. The jogging shirst and basketball shirts are great. I have two shirts that two years old now and they are still wearable and dry quickly.

The only thing I can not find a deal on is the thicker fleece sweater. I might actually break down and buy a brand name.”