[at-l] REI

[KellyGoVols@aol.com (KellyGoVols@aol.com)]

Well, I have to say that I'm in the same boat as far as outfitters. I have 
exactly ONE so-called outfitter here (South Florida) that is a joke as far as 
hiking goes.  No hiking poles, no backpacking tents, no thermarests so forget 
z-rests, no cold climate clothing, NOTHING!  Do you know how much crap I've 
bought from Campmor (clothing, mainly) that I've had to return?  It 
completely sucks.  Now, if I were an avid fisherman, I'd do OK.  If I were a 
hunter, I'd do OK.  Their selection of sleeping bags is laughable, their 
tents weigh on average 12lbs. And they look at me like I'm from Mars when I 
request something like Gortex.  I can't believe I live in a city where hiking 
equipment is nonexistent.  To say that my gear purchases have been hard to 
come by is putting it mildly.  I'm going to be like a kid in a candy store 
when I come across a REAL outfitter, where I can actually touch and feel the 
stuff before I buy it.  Sorry, I just had to vent.