In reply to LastBoyScout:
> Unless unavoidable, I don't buy anything unless it's in the sale - I'm pretty much kitted out in end of season/closing down sale/outlet/staff discount stuff
> I used to work in a gear shop and we had loads of DofE, Scouts, Guides and World Challenge kids in, often on a budget.
> I used to advise that there were 5 things you shouldn't scrimp on, or, at least, buy the best you can afford (in no particular order):
> 1 - boots and socks - nothing worse than sore feet.
> 2 - waterproofs - need to stay dry
> 3 - sleeping bag - lighter to carry, less bulky and warmer.
> 4 - rucksack - needs to be comfortable
> 5 - fleece (debatable) - a good one will keep you warm and comfy - a bad one will have seams that rub under rucksack straps. I had a fleece once that was a promotional company-branded one - it seemed to be built with a large body, one medium sleeve and one small sleeve!
> Pretty much anything else can be had on a budget - those days, I used to send kids to C&A and Millets, these days it'll be Millets, Decathlon and TK Maxx. My wife swears by M&S thermals and I've been very impressed with some Decathlon trousers, but find their sizes and cut don't often suit me.
> The other side of the argument is "buy cheap, buy twice" and there's an element of that - I've got some bits of gear that have had all sorts of abuse for years and aren't showing any signs of falling apart. They were an expensive initial outlay, but the "pence per mile" is extremely low. In a couple of cases, I wish they would wear out, so I can buy some different colours!
A short while ago, I bought an Arcteryx Alpha SV jacket - as a lifelong Mountain Equipment user, it was as much to see if it justifies the £600 price tag, as anything else
It's undoubtedly a seriously good piece of kit, and although it hasn't really been used in anger yet - this winter in the alps will rectify that - it certainly looks like its bombproof and should last a long time.
However, is it twice as good, and will it last twice as long, as a £300 equivalent from Mountain Equipment, Rab, Mountain Hardware etc, I'm not sure?
I'm more inclined to think that it's a very good £300 jacket, with a £300 logo on it.
The world of climbing is not immune to the power of brands and designer labels.
Post edited at 10:41