General gripe

[Teachyboy]

I remember when North Face wasreally good stuff now it's just overpriced fashion swag for people that don't spend much time out in the woods. They still make some good stuff but generally make crap. Mountian hardware seems to be heading in that direction. I don't mind spending good money on good equipment but 60 bucks for a tshirt made in China is ridiculous.

 

[DaveInDenver]

TNF, Patagucci, etc. all seem like fashion companies that pepper their product lines with the occasional decent technical piece.

 

[shade]

It's up to the shopper to separate the good from the looks-good.

Eddie Bauer is an example of a company that started out with technical clothing, moved fully into mass goods, and has recently been trying to regain some of their old cred with their First Ascent line.

 

[ZMagic97]

I have, and still do, really like Eddie Bauer. There certainly are different items for different uses (outdoors and weekend t shirts).

I have found many brands for outdoors and sports alike have followed this path. I used to really like Nike shoes for example, but I no longer find them as comfortable and long lasting, but the prices have not gone down.

 

[Regcabguy]

We were in REI yesterday. The prices for clothing for women is outrageous. Patagonia sure is proud of their clothing line. But 1% of their sales goes to "the environment". BS.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I remember when climbing shops used to be holes in the wall packed full of hardware but now even the best outdoor shops are like shopping at the Gap with all the clothes racks. It's a sign of the time I guess.

 

[BigAl]

... I don't mind spending good money on good equipment but 60 bucks for a tshirt made in China is ridiculous.

For t-shirts, you should check out Russell Athletics dri power series at walmart. They last forever. They are headquartered in KT. $8-15

 

[Hilldweller]

For t-shirts, you should check out Russell Athletics dri power series at walmart. They last forever. They are headquartered in KT. $8-15

Them and a company called 32 degrees ---- great base layers at a fraction of the cost of boutique stuff.


My fancy REI-bought (forget the brand) rain hat stopped being waterproof. $40 hat.
Got a $9 Marine camo WP hat that works better. It's not fancy but my noggin is dry.

 

[luthj]

When investors come on board, they want continual growth. Once you top out in the specialist gear category, you need to expand into the mass market categories. Which means a lower price point. Or sometimes the same price point, with much higher margins (due to cheaper stuff).

There are and will continue to be comitted small batch manufacturers who make custom high grade gear for pros and high level amateurs. They don't advertise or sell at big box stores, they have small storefronts, often on the web. Word of mouth, and invite only sometimes.

 

[Laps]

North Face clothing has been poor and over priced for over a decade. First Ascent makes good quality gear, and catch it on sale for 50% off. I don't buy ANYTHING full price anymore regarding large corporate merchandise. That said, you are still better off finding 'cottage industry' items, both clothing and gear, and often on sale. Even Snow Peak will have gear dramatically reduced in price. Patagonia, is still, regardless of the pundits, good quality. They will have a 50% off sale, on select items, beginning Feb 7th and running for ten days. If you are willing to search, and wait for the sales, then you can find pretty much anything you are in need of.

 

[bas157]

Eddie Bauer, Gerry, Orvis, and some others I can't remember are showing up at Costco no. No way are they the same quality they use to be. At least I think Gerry use to have decent stuff? Pickup up a pair of Eddie Bauer pants on clearance thursday night for $10 (some kind of stretchy material, for $10 figure hard to go wrong)

 

[shade]

Orvis? That's a surprise.

 

[dcg141]

I have been buying some military surplus stuff recently. Mostly the ECWCS. The base layers are great and really inexpensive. The level 5 pant and jacket are super comfortable and lightweight. Only downside is everything is camo but it works well. All American made and very functional. I'm also a big fan of the Eddie Bauer First Accent.

 

[Peneumbra2]

5.11 products are reasonably priced and pretty well-made (assuming you don't mind looking like you're on a SWAT team).

 

[TripLeader]

I have been buying some military surplus stuff recently. Mostly the ECWCS. The base layers are great and really inexpensive. The level 5 pant and jacket are super comfortable and lightweight. Only downside is everything is camo but it works well. All American made and very functional. I'm also a big fan of the Eddie Bauer First Accent.

I've been able to find a couple ECWCS pieces in OD green. I find it more pleasing than camo for my needs.