Do YOU have to have the best equipment for camping/hiking? Opinions...

[DuctTape]

The cheapest gear is knowledge and the most expensive is lack thereof.

The best gear is that which provides you with the most enjoyment. Some like new toys, some like getting by without something. If any gear decision helps you enjoy yourself, then all is good.

[steves]

I do my research then choose,trying not to look at the prices too much. If I start looking at prices I always shoot for the middle,so I try to look at function and comfort 1st. Sometimes it ends up at the lower price range and other times at the top side,as long as it works well and lasts I'm ok with it.
I hate the fact that every year everything is better,improved and need to have when it stops serving my needs is when it gets replaced weather it's a upgrade or a lesser unit.

[woodsman]

The best is a relative term, I'm usually always on a budget, but when I buy something I make sure it's something that will last. I'd rather spend an extra 20 bucks and know that something will last me for the next decade, than keep buying a new one every 3 months because it's cheap.

[Grandpa]

When it comes to backpacking gear, the more you spend the less you get. Weight is the big issue, especially after you turn 65 years old. However, I still look for the bargain and try to get the least "bang for my buck" on backpacking gear. I still often carry a 3 lb tent I paid $29 dollars for. It is plenty big for the dog and I and gives all the protection we need from a summer thundershower.

If it is a backcountry elk hunt you can bet I lay my head in a solid canvas tent that may costs hundreds but will withstand several inches of snow and gives me room to get dressed in all that outdoor cold weather clothing. This is where the Springbar/Kodiak tents really make their cost worthwhile. Mine is a 10 x 14 canvas wall tent with 5 ft sidewalls. (I bought this particular one in a thrift store for $5.)

[ppine]

I like ponderosa's post. I have rarely ever purchased the best that I can afford. I buy dependable equipment that can be counted on. I began backpacking in 1962 with stuff from the military suplus store, cast iron frying pans, kapok sleeping bags and tube tents carried in a Trapper Nelson.

The outdoors are deadly serious to me. Nature is my religion. Being outside has been a way of life, a vocation and a mental health plan. Sorry if I missed the humor and sarcasm.

[Gunny Webb]

Some items I use are the best, some are middle of the road. I don't believe in owning junk. Items that are high dollar are sleeping bag, water filter, packpack, and boots. I sleep warm, never been sick from bad water, have light pack that allows me to carry 2 more lbs of gear without adding weight, and have good feet at end of the day. Not gonna cut any corners there. But clothes, cookware, stove and shelter are average stuff with an eye out for light weight. Really not a label concious guy, but I want good value.
I remember the high school days with 45 lbs of mostly army surplus gear. Now I have 14 lbs and twice as much stuff in the pack. Money and technology sure changes things.

[ChadTower]

Water filter - I carry an old army surplus canteen and a bottle of iodine. I've never been sick from bad water either. There are a ton of ways to do everything.

I have also never had a small wound become infected while I'm out because I have a bottle of iodine with me.

[bearz]

I'm willing to put in more money on things that are super important like sleeping bags, tents, and good hiking shoes. Of course I would do some research first to make sure the quality is there before I drop top dollars. Things that would go mid range to low end would be cookware and clothes. And i don't exactly look for brands. If it works, it's good enough for me.

[YC2013]

I guess it would really depend on how much you really use the gear. My husband is still using stuff he bought or his father had bought him when he was a kid in the 70's, in fact he is a real stickler about anyone messing with or using his stuff, I think because its sentimental.
Now we buy the best we can when we need something but within our budget but we research it well first. sometimes it may seem cheap but he always finds stuff that works good and lasts but then sometimes its dogon expensive and doesn't seem to last as long as something cheaper or stuff that is inexpensive. we stay away from rei, he always says your just paying for the name there, which in most cases you are and its no better than things that are sold in some cheaper sporting good stores.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


I buy what I think will suit me needs at the time...and cost is a factor.

As a twelve-year-old, I bought a WW II Army surplus backpack...the kind that would completely open up. That's how you loaded it...opened it up...laid what you could on it...then re-fold it up and secure it with the straps.

I even had the Army mess kit with it. I also used the Army pistol belt and carried the the Army canteen on it.

Then I went to a packbasket. This was more for trapping than camping...but it served all uses.

Since I can only UTE camp anymore (and seldom at that), I use my smaller backpack only when on AMTRAK...(which is my second vehicle!).

When afield and away from the UTE, I carry only my GHB sling-pack on my back...with an Army surplus gas mask shoulder bag for additional incidentals, if needed.