|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327 |
Great video. Thanks for posting Big W.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be. gpopecustomknives.com
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
I'm loving the "get er done" drift of this thread. High end gear is a luxury, not a necessity. Plenty of durable stuff out there for less. I saw a group of high school kids several miles in up near timberline in the Olympics one time outfitted with mostly mil surplus. They were in misery with their ALICE frames, but having the time of their lives. There's a lesson in that. Lots of guys who are brand snobs are that way to reinforce their own sense of efficacy. I agree to an extent, but in many cases, buying the best you can afford is the cheapest way to go. Outdoor gear frequently falls into that category. As an example, there was no way I was going to pay the $300 price tag for snowmachine bibs. I probably paid close to $500 going through several sets of bibs from $50-100 each. They always failed, some spectacularly. Eventually I found the bibs I wanted on sale for $250ish, and convinced myself that I had done well. Talk about false economy...$750+ to get a pair of $300 bibs. I have done that so many times, being the cheap bastard that I am, that my new simplified plan is: Figure out what is best (or what you want), and figure out a way to get it. Buying substitutes only makes it more expensive. In many cases, being a gear snob is the result of suffering with poorly made gear in the past. Poorly made doesn't always mean cheap either. All that being said, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it, and you have to find another way. As someone once said: Choices are always easiest when there is no choice.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 618
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 618 |
That's good wisdom CWH. I did say "durable", but the thing about spending more $$$ to buy three of what you don't want than one of what you do is very true.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,739
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,739 |
What I got from Evan's post is that it is often the case that a certain "brand name" is THE ONLY way to fly for some often quite inexperienced folks, who are trying to BE what they really are not and probably will never become.
The "groupie" aspect of gear discussions can be a royal PITA and, especially, when some young novice decides to tell everyone what they MUST own and use. It amuses me, but, it can be annoying, as well.
The other point is, as he stated, people can have a terrific time in the outdoors with pretty crappy gear, this is MUCH easier when you are 15-25 than when you are 60+.....BUT, GEAR is NOT the major issue, getting out and enjoying it is.
It is a relief,to me,to read a gear maker actually post in this manner as all too many of them continually make excessive claims for their products and refuse to acknowledge that others may also create fine gear....and, individual needs and uses are very different, given the size and other factors of just North America.
I am also eager to see the up-coming HPG pack,I am inclined to expect one fine pack and one that many can use longterm with total satisfaction.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,604
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,604 |
What I got from Evan's post is that it is often the case that a certain "brand name" is THE ONLY way to fly for some often quite inexperienced folks, who are trying to BE what they really are not and probably will never become.
The "groupie" aspect of gear discussions can be a royal PITA and, especially, when some young novice decides to tell everyone what they MUST own and use. It amuses me, but, it can be annoying, as well.
The other point is, as he stated, people can have a terrific time in the outdoors with pretty crappy gear, this is MUCH easier when you are 15-25 than when you are 60+.....BUT, GEAR is NOT the major issue, getting out and enjoying it is.
It is a relief,to me,to read a gear maker actually post in this manner as all too many of them continually make excessive claims for their products and refuse to acknowledge that others may also create fine gear....and, individual needs and uses are very different, given the size and other factors of just North America.
I am also eager to see the up-coming HPG pack,I am inclined to expect one fine pack and one that many can use longterm with total satisfaction. +1 Getting out is the most important part. I have some nice gear, but I also frequently use a long in tooth Osprey Vestor, or Kelty Cachehauler. I also regularly use thrift store finds as well.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
All very true. The last thing I'd recommend is to stay home because your gear isn't as good/trendy/high-speed as you wish it was. There are a few exceptions to that for safety, but safety is generally more about the person than the gear.
Outdoor gear is increasingly specialized and what works for me where I hunt will likely be a poor choice, or simply unnecessary for others. People are built differently too, and I have a hard time taking sweeping statements about pack and boot fit seriously.
There is certainly a vetting process that has to happen, and that process gets expensive, especially when you can't learn from other people's experience. That is where forums like this are extremely helpful.
I hate the "new best thing" syndrome, but at the same time we are lucky to have access to tons of new (and old) great gear. I'm as guilty of being a gear junkie as anyone, and it is fun to try out new stuff. It is when it becomes all about the gear instead of about the hunt that it becomes....well, funny.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037 |
I think I like that Ute Pack.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,831
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,831 |
I hate the "new best thing" syndrome, but at the same time we are lucky to have access to tons of new (and old) great gear. I'm as guilty of being a gear junkie as anyone, and it is fun to try out new stuff. It is when it becomes all about the gear instead of about the hunt that it becomes....well, funny.
I'm as guilty as the next guy. If it came down to saving up money and working extra to buy better pack/optics/rifle or whatever or making due with what ya go and go hunting, I'd pick the latter every time. We all have different needs and preferences. Finding what you prefer is the main thing regardless of what works for others. Time afield is the #1 reason for success, not any piece of gear can trump that. Can't kill em' from the couch or office...well usually. That said I really like the stuff Evan is putting out from HPG...got some great concept designs for fit on a variety of packs...looking forward to seeing what else he's got in the works.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,125
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,125 |
I'm loving the "get er done" drift of this thread. High end gear is a luxury, not a necessity. Plenty of durable stuff out there for less. I saw a group of high school kids several miles in up near timberline in the Olympics one time outfitted with mostly mil surplus. They were in misery with their ALICE frames, but having the time of their lives. There's a lesson in that. Lots of guys who are brand snobs are that way to reinforce their own sense of efficacy. Me too! Many of us, myself included, reached the point of diminishing returns long ago. I like good gear and guns as much or more than most, but in the end, it's about time in the hills. Growing up, we had lots of great times and made memories with old surplus gear and wool handmedowns.
I've seen more well-shot game lost with TSXs than any other premium bullet.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
Like my Dana Alpine, not shabby for $125 either.... I was able to finagle the beavertail to hold my rifle as well. Around 4800CI and weighs 6.5lbs. Tough as nails. I will say this, buy as much used gear as you can. Most of the time if you decide to dump it, you'll break even. I will admit I'm completely sucked in to the ultra light stuff.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574 |
Great idea on the beavertail. I'm wondering now if I can do that on my Glacier with the added beavertail.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 156
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 156 |
Here is what the little lady whipped up on the sewing machine so I can carry my gun on about any pack. It was basically free after scrounging an old ratchet strap and some clips.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
My original thought was to add a pouch to the ice ax loops, then I messed around with the tail. Didn't have to add any extra straps or swap around any buckles either.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574 |
I'm off to the man cave to dink with my beavertail....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
Dang, someone might get lucky.... Dana Alpine on Ebay...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,574 |
Looks like it will work on my Glacier as well as on my Shortbed external.
Should also make for a nice way to carry a bone-in quarter by tucking the bone in the beavertail.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,191
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,191 |
I like Kifaru suspension, like what I have on my UL5200. BUT, I like my MR 6500 bag the best.
If I could get the two to hump in the gear closet, and produce something red-headed and bastardly, I'd be happy as a cheap hooker at the democrat national convention.
I'm Irish...
Of course I know how to patch drywall
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,831
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,831 |
I like Kifaru suspension, like what I have on my UL5200. BUT, I like my MR 6500 bag the best.
If I could get the two to hump in the gear closet, and produce something red-headed and bastardly, I'd be happy as a cheap hooker at the democrat national convention. Dan, you are the master of memorable quotes..should just update my sig line to one of your weekly quotes such as above.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 13,860
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 13,860 |
Nice lookin' loading bench 16.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,164
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,164 |
I like Kifaru suspension, like what I have on my UL5200. BUT, I like my MR 6500 bag the best.
If I could get the two to hump in the gear closet, and produce something red-headed and bastardly, I'd be happy as a cheap hooker at the democrat national convention. Yup- that is a classic! Dan, maybe if you leave them alone in there for a while, maybe they will produce that dream offspring for you.
|
|
|
|
516 members (007FJ, 12344mag, 06hunter59, 10gaugemag, 160user, 16gage, 56 invisible),
2,722
guests, and
1,218
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,193,644
Posts18,512,469
Members74,010
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|