EMS always had KILLER deals, even when they weren't closing. I bought my first nice bag from there, couple pairs of boots, who knows what else. It's a shame they can't seem to cut it with the likes of REI and other large outfitters.
EMS always had KILLER deals, even when they weren't closing. I bought my first nice bag from there, couple pairs of boots, who knows what else. It's a shame they can't seem to cut it with the likes of REI and other large outfitters.
the lease for the building that the burlington, ma, ems is in is just about up, which is why it is closing. there are still at least 6 ems locations within an hour of my house.
and +1 on the deals, especially if you like prana clothing. that stuff always seems to be on sale.
Cloudveil is sweet I've got one of their softshells too, but I think the fit is a little bulky. I really light the tight cuts of companies like Mammut. http://www.mammut.ch
One of the Mountain HardWear Gore-Tex jackets I've got, ( A 10 year old Ethereal 3 layer) has been demoted to mountain bike use but it still is water proof. TOUGH AS NAILS!
I've just ordered a Arc'teryx Stingray shell from Backcountry.com. I saw it in a shop in Stowe but they didn't have the right size anymore. The thing is dialed - hood that fits a helmet, tape seams, great fit - snug but still movable.
I've also had good luck w/ Marmot, Patagonia, and old Burton AK outerwear. Burton's newest stuff didn't impress me all that much.
A great book to read about Patagonia as a company is Let my People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
North Face has really gone to **** since it became "trendy". I worked at REI and we had tons of failed North Face come back. I am a big fan of Patagonia.
I think your logic is a bit failed here. I doubt North Face decided to downscale their quality because sales were up. When more items are sold, the chances of more of the same items being returned increases, you see?
That said, I like Patagonia too. I have two long sleeve, button-up Patagonia shirts that have lasted me 15 years with very little sign of wear.
I am certain when the decision is made to sell at low end stores instead of your high ticket specialty retailers ( Sam's club, Costco, Sports Authority etc) something has to give somewhere in exchange for the increased sales volumes. Not to mention that when that decision is made, it really pisses of the specialty retailers who have had accounts since way back in the day.
And just because you sell more of an item, does not automatically mean an increase in returns/failures. There will always be a percentage of failure for any brand, but some brands are just made better than others. I've been repairing technical clothing for 12+ years, you can trust me on this one.
I have been wearing different Mountain Hardwear jackets for the last 9 years and I have been really happy with them. Although, they do have a tendency to develop some holes aound the upper part of the sleeves after some years of use....but ok, then I just have an excuse for buying a new one. Especially the old Parka and the Mithril were amazing.
I love my MH stuff. I also love my Ibex wool stuff, which is amazingly fantastic and kicks major ass over synthetics for next-to-skin wear.
Arcteryx makes some great stuff, but their cut doesn't fit my body well. (Anyone want some softshell pants??)
I always like finding cool stuff by other oddball manufacturers, esp. from custom makers and overseas companies, like Ground Effects or Cactus in New Zealand. But Mountain Hardware has always been great for me, and is both available and well-priced.
Campmor.com sells stuff bargain-basement, but I have a self-branded fleece jacket from them that's lasted ages and ages, and cost me $30. I like not worrying about ruining expensive outdoor gear.
Gotta give respect to Eagle Creek's travel packs, too. 10 years old and smells like cat piss, but I can't find a real reason to buy a new one no matter how bad I abuse it. They've repaired it gratis once or twice, too.
Gotta give respect to Eagle Creek's travel packs, too. 10 years old and smells like cat piss, but I can't find a real reason to buy a new one no matter how bad I abuse it. They've repaired it gratis once or twice, too.
You can try stuff it into a washing machine on hot, dump in a ton of Oxy Clean, and let it soak for a long time. I had that happen to a wheeled duffel once, and that was the only thing that took care of the problem.
You can try stuff it into a washing machine on hot, dump in a ton of Oxy Clean, and let it soak for a long time. I had that happen to a wheeled duffel once, and that was the only thing that took care of the problem.
Gotta give respect to Eagle Creek's travel packs, too. 10 years old and smells like cat piss, but I can't find a real reason to buy a new one no matter how bad I abuse it. They've repaired it gratis once or twice, too.
Wash the pack thoroughly with liquid detergent and hang dry. Then soak it in a strong solution of this stuff in warm water, hang to dry without rinsing.
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