Comments on: What not to dirtbag

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 01:32:44 +0000

In reply to Brandon Gittelman. I don't know many experienced people who wear waterproof shoes to be honest. Period. I simply said get a good pair shoes. I use trail runners myself.

By: Brandon Gittelman

Brandon Gittelman — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 23:22:38 +0000

Paul,

One of the things I want to add in regards to shoes. You really don’t need hiking specific shoes, especially starting out. I’ve done a lot of good-weather hikes in a pair of my running shoes and much preferred the breathability compared to my water-proofed hiking shoes.

If there’s snow/slush, a lot of river crossings, or rain in the forecast, I’ll grab my hiking shoes/boots (depending on the weather)

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 08:10:12 +0000

In reply to Bill. How heavy and bulky was it?

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:18:13 +0000

Re: sleeping bags, I purchased a very comfortable and warm bag off a military surplus website for about $25.00. It works good for me. Military surplus equipment may not look the greatest but it was built to take the abuse of soldiers in the field under combat conditions.

By: Neddy

Neddy — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 11:18:15 +0000

I was recently gifted a Snow Peak double wall ti mug (while it appears to look cool and function like a mug is supposed to) I just could not believe the price they get for their stuff. All I can say is, light-weight glamp gear at its finest!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:02:37 +0000

In reply to Tom Moose. Good deal!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:00:28 +0000

In reply to Bill. As you said, clothing can overmarked for the price-to-performance ratio. Esp commodity items such as fleece or similar three-season wear. The fact that Sierra Trading Post is able to sell clothing at half-price, and still make a profit, is telling.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:54:10 +0000

Clothing seems to be the worst offender in the price vs value area. Shoes are very personal and very important, but fit and feel are more important than price. It seems that the big three, sleeping system, pack and shelter are the things that should not necessarily go the lowest cost route. These are all things that will make your trip miserable if you don’t choose well. The most expensive isn’t necessarily the best choice and may be a huge waste of money, if it doesn’t suit your style. But, like with shoes, the only good way to know if you’ve made a good deal is to get out and use it.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 20:17:59 +0000

In reply to Nick Gatel. Excellent point! I think of how many nights I have with the feathered friends bag and it was a great investment indeed.

By: Nick Gatel

Nick Gatel — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 20:14:03 +0000

As a stamp collector, should I be offended? 😉

Great article and you could have pointed out dollar cost average (unless I missed it).

I still use my first backpacking stove, a Svea 123, although not on every trip. I have used it every year since I bought it in 1971. Dollar cost average is $0.41 per year.