Best Value Gear Thread - i.e. Bang For Your Buck List
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In the spirt of the ever helpful "Best Deals" thread (keep it up!), I thought I'd try and start a related thread trying to spotlight "value" gear. I fully realize there are places where you get what you pay for is not only true but life-and-maybe-death important. I have high end kit where I need/want it and see the value. For a lot of what we do though, there's plenty of "Value" or "discount" gear out there that does pretty darn well at a fraction of the cost. The way the industry works, many OEM manufacturers exist that not only provide product to the named brands but also to many much less known brands. I thought I'd start a not so organized list of my discoveries or hints that I've shared with people looking to get into the game on the cheap. |
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I'll give a +1 for the Old Navy line of synthetic T shirts. I've just been conditioned to stay away from cotton, and the Old Navy active line is very comfortable and is often on sale for less than $10 per shirt. The base layers are also pretty good. |
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I have a 4-person Coleman tent that I got for under $100...think it was more like $50. Setup is fine and it kept me dry in a ridiculous KY rainstorm, so it's more than enough for the car camping 90% of climbers do. |
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My most "value" buys for clothes have come at goodwill, salvation army/other second hand retailers. When it comes to something like a midweight fleece, they are all pretty much the same - although perhaps the secondhand ones might not have that ostentatious but adventure-y looking bicep pouch for your chapstick. So anyway, if you are ok with having your midlayer fleece emblazoned with the name of some local high school's track or dance team, you can get your mid layers for a few bucks each. Do not confuse midlayers with baselayers. Synthetic baselayers bought secondhand will stink forever! |
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Goodwill is great for finding Synthetic Tees. No need to spend 70 on a shirt you will trash in just a season or two |
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First of all this is a great post! |