Comments on: Lightweight Backpacking: REI Style

By: Mike B

Mike B — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 06:25:35 +0000

In reply to DouchePacker. A lot lot cheaper than that weekend in Napa Valley. $300 - $600 will cover the hotel room depending on how nice of a hotel maybe not even that.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:11:42 +0000

In reply to Kelly Carter. Lack of time is often the largest obstacle to getting out. Perhaps a quick overnighter on a Friday after work into Saturday morning? Sometimes even one night in the woods is the tonic needed to restore balance.

By: Kelly Carter

Kelly Carter — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:15:21 +0000

A big reason is that I have an elderly mother and a disabled son that I need to help with, especially on weekends, while holding down a job during the week. I agree that there a few smaller things I could give up that would free up a little time, plus I do need to lean on others a bit more to help out to free up more time for me. Thanks for the encouragement.

By: Douche P.

Douche P. — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:09:31 +0000

In reply to Kelly Carter. My question for you Kelly is what are the barriers to you being able to go out more often? I found that I had to give up some social activities on the weekends, but I just go to happy hour during the week instead to maintain friendships

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:54:18 +0000

In reply to JennyA. Appreciate the comments. Glad I only rankled a little bit as I was honestly not poking fun at the typical REI customer. Most of them are my friends afterall. :)

By: JennyA

JennyA — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:02:40 +0000

Disclaimer: I am an REI employee and am intimately familiar with the point of this discussion! I rankled a little bit at first, then found myself nodding “uh-huh, yep,” as the article went on. I see two groups of customers. The first is new to the area, all excited and needing all of the gear. When outfitting them, we try to have thoughtful discussions about weight vs. cost, how much they will be using the gear, age and fitness levels, what they aspire to do, etc, and help them base their decisions on that information. The second type of customer typically has more experience and is looking to lighten their load. These are the folks that typically have done at least some research and want to bounce ideas off; this is one of the truly enjoyable aspects of my job!
I guess what I am trying to say is that for many people, lightening their load is an evolutionary process. We all start at different places along that path, but we all have to start somewhere. Interesting article, thanks!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:01:01 +0000

In reply to Bob Lacourse. I hear you. I rarely buy at REI. I think the last item I bought was a fuel canister? The last major item I bought at REI was a Hoodoo3 tent from REI Outlet for $120 a few years ago (call it $140 today) that has worked rather well as a spacious and sturdy car camping tent.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:58:10 +0000

In reply to John Goering. "A well done exercise Paul. But obviously, this is another case of one size doesn’t fit all. " Obviously. Otherwise, Basin Robins would not have 31 flavors. ;)

By: John Goering

John Goering — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:21:19 +0000

A well done exercise Paul. But obviously, this is another case of one size doesn’t fit all. We don’t hike or pack anyplace in SW MT without bear spray anymore and I’m usually packing a backup. That alone adds about 3 lbs.

And we did use a Copper Spur for part of a year, a tent I grew to absolutely hate. Between the hang-up zippers and the condensation dripping through the netting onto bags and gear, not to mention on my back while on elbows trying to make a futile effort to exit with the fly entangled in the fly zipper, it was really unpleasant to use around here. Much happier with a MSR version. Our base weights are usually less than 20 lbs these days and rarely exceed 30 lbs total weight, about half what we were packing in those ancient days of the past.

REI: what can I say? Happy customer for about 50 years and have watched with some amazement as it morphed from that store on Pike Street to what it is now and somehow stayed relatively true to its roots. And I do buy most of my gear there.

But Costco has a lot better price on Mountain House.

By: Bob Lacourse

Bob Lacourse — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:02:18 +0000

All great points Paul. I personally only buy a couple small items at REI that I need in a pinch. I find REI to be very expensive, even with the 10% refund check. I go there to try cloths or shoes on then I go on line and find the best deals. I save myself easily 500.00 this way. I understand your articles point. Just sayin. My base weight for thru hikes is usually around 17 LBS. I need to shave at least 4 LBS off that.