In reply to thin bob:
i was the same until a friend who managers one of their big distributing stores in tokyo let me in on their 'secret' catalogue.
id like to know if this exists in the UK and elsewhere.
its a large catalogue of stuff of which 99% doesnt make the shelves because its expedition gear that wont sell to joe public when the same space devoted to down vests, t-shirts and purple hyvent jackets will.
incredible stuff like full body polarstretch suits, hybrid down/synthetic suits, lite softshell salopettes, exped weight approach gear, stripped down packs etc. the stuff conrad anker wears in the ads but is never seen in stores.
all super refined, with different logos, nothing pink, teal or tangerine, mega expensive - but very very useable.
i picked up a few bits with a very measely discount and have used it high and cold and have been very impressed, whereas before i was quite skeptical (as i still am of their street level stuff).
i feel like ive dobbed in the freemasons. maybe TNF will come after me next, but it may be worth waterboarding a few gearshop employees to see if this going on in the UK too.
