In reply to tallsteve:
> (In reply to Sean Kelly)
> p.s. as all we're buying these days is cheap sh*t made in Asia then you may as well pay cheap prices. I'm a big fan of Gelert. Cheap as chips, and lasts as long as you'd expect. No false pretensions. When it falls apart so what - you never paid much for it anyway.
There may be some truth in what you say but firstly just because something is made in china doesn't mean it's cr*p. It isn't the 80's any more and while conditions in asian factorys aren't what they are over here the construction can be of good quality. Quite why anyone would automatically assume that something is rubbish because it wasn't hauled down the construction line by a uk worker on minimum wage is beyond me.
Secondly there are plenty brands out there that surpass "cheap sh*t". Compare the stitching on a pair of Meindl boots to a pair of hi-tecs, compare the laminated seams on a regatta jacket to those of a mountain equipment, I own a great gelert tent, it's better value than a similar spec tent from say, terra nova. It is however a lot worse quality and anyone with eyes can see that.
Is a snugpak insulated jacket better quality than a mountain hardware one because it was made in the uk? Is a RAB sleeping bag better quality than a Mountain Equipment one because it was filled in the UK? Is patagonia stuff cr*p because it's made in China/India/South America? Are Brasher boots the same quality as regatta boots because they're made abroad? Icebreaker make their clothing in China, does that make it the same quality as the stuff you get in aldis? Have a look at a RAB fleece and a regatta fleece, both manufactured in China, both of obviously differing quality.
I'm not saying the cheaper brands aren't better value, often they are. It might not always be worth the extra money to get top of the range stuff but to say that it's all the same is inaccurate.