[pct-l] buying gear

[jjolson@uwyo.edu (Jeffrey Olson)]

For some reason I feel like offering an opinion this morning...

When thinking of buying gear peruse the web and become familiar with equipment.  You can get a good $100
pack, $100 sleeping bag, $100+ tent or $20 for a tarp, $50 or less light boots or running/trail shoes.
You can get used stuff that will serve as gear to begin with.

If you go to stores, you'll get info, but salespeople don't have a "big picture" and can usually talk
only from their narrow perspectives.  They'll try to sell you what they know, usually heavy expensive
equipment.

If you think you want to develop a basic pack weighing under 15 lbs, then look for equipment that will
help you reach that goal.  If you just want to get out and don't care about weight right now, look for
cheap or used stuff and figure you'll focus in later.  Experience will teach you what you need.

Just some thoughts...

Jeff Olson
Laramie WY

http://www.rei-outlet.com/
http://www.northernmountain.com
http://www.campmor.com
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
http://www.outdooroutlet.com/
http://www.mgear.com
http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/
http://www.backcountrygear.com/
http://www.shopems.com
http://www.mountainsports.com/
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Elscholte/peskipak.htm
http://www.monmouth.com/~mconnick/index.html