Worst piece of gear I ever owned

“the old TNF stuff was definately pretty good. For a while, I used a 20 some odd year old tent that was my dad's. And I'm sure your Cat's Meow bag is a very good piece of gear too.

It's not so much gear elitism that I'm trying to bash but people who own TNF stuff (the Mtn. Light jacket is the most prevalent) just because its got the TNF label on it and that's cool. Also, I'm pissed that TNF has gotten so corporate. The outdoor industry is often refreshing because there are small hole-in-the-wall type companies that really make good stuff: Western Mountaineering, Osprey, ArcTeryx to some extent, Feathered Friends, Ibex, Cloudveil, etc. I just see the recent downfall of TNF as very disheartening as it is a bastardization of the allure of being outside. It's the same idea with SUV's. It used to be that people who owned 4wd vehicles actually used them. Of course, there were people who didn't, but we're discussing trends here, not exceptions. So, bottom line: it pisses me off to see people driving around in some Yuppie-Assault-Vehicle from 'Ford Outfitters' ("Get out there!") wearing a TNF Mountain Light Jacket that has seen one cushy, guided trip out of Jackson Hole. That's not what this sport is about (if you can even call it a sport). Sure, gear lust is one thing. You might even call it 'gear elitism.' And I am a victim of that. I like the best gear out there as much as anybody else. (AmyG, here's your gear daddy! lol!) However, The North Face has gotten by in recent years using gimicky equipment (notice the electric fleece jacket) and hired 'athletes' ala Nike and Micheal Jordan to sell what has unfortunately become an inferior product.

I'll step down from the soap box now.”

“That's Michael Jordan, not Micheal.”

“pisgahforest,
Your ignorance, and arrogance it over whelming. From your post I have gathered that you think that I?m an insecure teenager, that will buy a product just because every one else has it, and because its TNF or Polo. Well Guess what, I don?t buy any thing for the sole purpose of every one will think I?m cool, or every one else has it, so why don?t I buy it. I know exactly what you are talking about though, with kids wearing the TNF jackets, because their cool, and in fashion now. I can think of about 20 kids that will never smell the forest air that have down jackets from TNF in my class. How can you diss TNF, just because some goons are wearing their gear. Ever try the Cat?s Meow? When I was looking for a new bag, all I could read about was how godly this bag is, so I bought it, and found out for my self, that this bags is amazing.

Oh? and by the way, Sh!t Head, When training in track you should wear 3 layers at all times to keep your muscles health, and help them work better. And most of all, NEVER have bare skin during practice, because that part of your body will get cold and you performance will suck. In addition sophomores go to high school, NOT junior high. I would hope you know that, since your 18, and should have just got out of HS. Oh? I?m sorry, did you drop out freshman year? Yah DAMN COMMIE!!!!”

“I have never been disappointed with TNF. I haven't bought much of it, but the stuff I have is very good and well used.”

“T, I'm glad you know what I'm talking about and I'm glad to hear that you taste some forest air too. Frankly though, I couldn't care less about what you wear to your track meets.

And just to pluck some pubic hairs, I consider myself a socialist, not a commie (of course, with tongue planted firmly in cheek).”

“I only have one single piece of TNF, but it's one of the "big three."
I bought an Inversion pack a couple of years ago, because of all the hybrid packs I tried, this one fit the best, and can carry more on it's suspension than I can (comfortably, anyway).

I'm very very happy with it's performance, but I wish the side pouches were bigger.”

“Then change your profile!”

“tommy, the inversion is one model away from the spectrum. those pack were goooood stuff. too bad they aren't made anymore.

pisgah, my point is that it shouldn't matter what name is on it. i have alot of REI brand gear, too. well made stuff. but i happen to know that there are a few products that aren't quite up to par.

criticize an item and it's flaws, but don't make such broad generalizations. (i know a few folks who USE their TNF mountain light and like it alot!)

one example...
a friend of mine bought the gaz twister (not the campinggaz 270, which is good). the plastic housing fell apart and the piezo ignitor kep falling off. i'm pretty sure he hates it.

and as far as tea and pisgah. you boys had better settle down, or grandpa bacpac will have to pass out some whoopins! LOL!!!!”

“I have several pieces of TNF gear and I use all of them. Most of the clothing gets used more when I'm skiing than any other time. I've been very happy with my Cat's Meow bag, my Denali vest and jacket, my Nuptse down vest, and my TNF mountain light pants. I was in Freeport, Maine in March and bought a TNF mountain light jacket for $99.

The quality on all my TNF gear is great. My only wish is that they wouldn't plaster their logo all over it. My Cat's Meow bag doesn't have a big TNF logo embroidered on the outside...why does the other gear need that?

As with all my gear, I evaluate the quality, price and reputation of the manufacturer when I buy something. I've always said....whatever works for you in terms of gear choice is best. Suggestions are one thing, but to come out and say, "you should be using this" or "you should not be using that" isn't as helpful to me as "maybe you could try this."”

“We have a TNF outlet near us. We have been many times,I even bought a daypack last year. I got it for its size,cost,apparent good quality. Not the name. As a matter of fact I colored in the logo with permanent marker (it was friggin reflective!). I am pretty happy with it. My REI half dome is more comfy but smaller. I will consider A TNF pack when my Lowe Alpine wears out in 10 years. Dont buy a Logo, buy a piece of gear that meets your needs.”

“Four years ago I was in the Whitney Portal store. Talking to the owner/operator was the "Outgoing" CEO of TNF. His reasons for leaving included no commitment to quality, and having to have things made outside the USA to compete.
I have a habit of eaves dropping.”

“Thank you didjfan. I spoke to the owner of Western Mountaineering (as I'll be going to Montreal for school next year, I'll need a warm bag. and to plunk down that much money, I do research) yesterday for nearly a half hour on the phone. I brought up this conversation, and he said this: "They (TNF) should be forced to start over without being able to use that name. Their products would probably drop off the face of the earth."

Lounge Lizard (I gather that you are a reincarnation of radagast, no??): I agree with you. It probably is foolish of me to criticize all TNF gear with the same brush. However, I can and do vehemently disagree with the way a company is run. I also happen to believe that the manner in which an outfit is run and how they make stuff greatly impacts the overall quality of their product.”

“Columbia rubber rain suit. I don't think I should need to explain why. Thankfully it only cost 16.99.”

“Pisgah, well at least you sought out an independent authority on gear (the owner of WM). I mean jeeze just think what someone who competeted against TNF for such a limited market share might say. He might say something like "They (TNF) should be forced to start over without being able to use that name. Their products would probably drop off the face of the earth."”