I used to think firemaple was just a cheap knockoff that olight was peddling, but they have actually come out with some pretty good products lately. Their greenpeak stove paired with the petrel pot is cheap, and faster than a jetboil
As someone who lives in Japan and will start Japanese camping soon (a bit different from American camping because of fire rules), Captain Stag is a great brand for starter campers, people on a budget, or people who only camp maybe once or twice a year. They get the job done but definitely are not investment gear that preforms better than other gear you can get at REI in the USA.
Those Redcamp stoves you can get for even cheaper under other brand names on Amazon and Ali E. I've been searching that kind of stuff for weeks and have seen all of them.
Or, perhaps they're ripping off lesser known brands. Though it's likely a combination of the two. The Chinese manufacturers are contracted to make items to spec. This means they have everything one needs to flawlessly rip off otherwise up-and-comers. And few American brands have the resources to petition the government to ban the imports of the knock offs. It sucks, but that's the nature of the industrialization of China at the expense of America.
Temu "fast fashion" but for camping equipment will, historically, destroy the industry and force the brands we love to either downgrade in quality/price, or go out of business. The best advice you're going to get on the Internet about camping gear is invest in local brands and companies that support our community. That's investing in the future of the sport for all of us.
I just hope more US companies will step up and provide quality, US manufacturing, and also budget-friendly prices. That trifecta seems to elude us at present.
I beg to differ, American camping is largely relegated to regulated campesites in the warmer months where most the gear is cheap already. The niche expensive gear is mostly to those survivalist and rarer campers who disappear into a forest away from civilization. The cheaper Asian gear is just about equal in quality and probably built in the same factory. If not aware in Asian countries camping by the general populace is more common as a hobby/pastime usually because it’s paired with carp fishermen and it’s relatively cheap for the citizens. Unless American companies can maintain quality and reduce prices they’re gonna lose the trade war.
Keep in mind that gear from China has been found to have dangerous levels of chemicals like PFAS forever chemicals and higher levels of lead and other chemicals. They also use forced labor from their own populations for cheap labor. NOT all gear is tainted or made by forced labor, but just something to keep in mind.
There's a reason why lanterns use thorium mentals, this lantern really doesn't produce anywhere as much light as it should because gas is bad for black body radiation
Arkansas. Iowa. NH. NJ. Lowered ages to 14, extended hours (or eliminated any barriers) to allow them to work. Also weakened restrictions of safety. Jobs that were considered "dangerous" to children for 80 years are now considered safe. When you speak of child labor, look in Americas backyard. There are 8 States that do not care about their children. *unless they’re a fetus
Which specific companies are using slave labor? I'd like the details so I can avoid them. Can you confirm that the US companies that use overseas manufacturers don't use slave labor?
I'm skeptical on that mat being a legit 6.6. I'm curious of the price, pack size and weight. The Firemaple looks like an re-branding MRS we all know. The other cooking systems are like all the other Jetboil clones.
Yep, I'm not great at camera work, my apologies. Unfortunately it was an event that only lasted a couple days, so maybe I'll try again next year. Thanks for watching.
Asian companies have been very quick to fill the markets that US manufacturers can't or don't want to fill, and they do it as cheaply as possible. They've seen how camping has exploded in the US since the pandemic, and have taken advantage by producing inexpensive gear to compete with brand names. They are very good at doing this. The only response the US can come up with to combat this is high tariffs, because we've lost our competitive edge and innovation.
True, tariffs will slow things down a tad in the short term. But unless US manufacturing fills the demand for quality budget-friendly gear, we'll all just pay more and make both the US government and the overseas manufacturers fat and happy.
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I used to think firemaple was just a cheap knockoff that olight was peddling, but they have actually come out with some pretty good products lately. Their greenpeak stove paired with the petrel pot is cheap, and faster than a jetboil
As someone who lives in Japan and will start Japanese camping soon (a bit different from American camping because of fire rules), Captain Stag is a great brand for starter campers, people on a budget, or people who only camp maybe once or twice a year.
They get the job done but definitely are not investment gear that preforms better than other gear you can get at REI in the USA.
Thanks for the information. What are some of the most reputable camping gear brands in Japan?
This channel needs to blow up! Keep up the awesome work!!
Appreciate it! Will do.
I've been liking the gear from Red camp,firemaple and captain stag. Really good for the price
Thanks ! All cool stuff!
The snowboarding gear stuff looked really cool. It'd be cool if they make a more backpacking / hiking oriented pack
Ya, their hiking pack is day pack size and their mountaineering pack could do the trick, but still a bit small.
I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
I like camping very much
Those Redcamp stoves you can get for even cheaper under other brand names on Amazon and Ali E. I've been searching that kind of stuff for weeks and have seen all of them.
Thanks for the Video and the links- whats the Name of the chair at 3:42??!
It's from King Camp, but I couldn't find the model name or listing online yet.
Whats that solar panel table?
Yes, that's what it is. But I couldn't find it online anywhere yet. Made by King Camp.
What are your thoughts on backpacking tables
Pass. But that's just me.
Was that Bruce bridgford?
I think we are seeing the maturing of the Chinese market and manufacturers. They are moving beyond copies and in to designers and innovators.
Copied western businesses so much that there's nothing left to copy 😬
Indeed.
Or, perhaps they're ripping off lesser known brands. Though it's likely a combination of the two.
The Chinese manufacturers are contracted to make items to spec. This means they have everything one needs to flawlessly rip off otherwise up-and-comers. And few American brands have the resources to petition the government to ban the imports of the knock offs.
It sucks, but that's the nature of the industrialization of China at the expense of America.
Temu "fast fashion" but for camping equipment will, historically, destroy the industry and force the brands we love to either downgrade in quality/price, or go out of business. The best advice you're going to get on the Internet about camping gear is invest in local brands and companies that support our community. That's investing in the future of the sport for all of us.
Agreed. The race to the bottom rarely comes with brakes.
I just hope more US companies will step up and provide quality, US manufacturing, and also budget-friendly prices. That trifecta seems to elude us at present.
Good advice except, it's something you should do for everything
I beg to differ, American camping is largely relegated to regulated campesites in the warmer months where most the gear is cheap already.
The niche expensive gear is mostly to those survivalist and rarer campers who disappear into a forest away from civilization.
The cheaper Asian gear is just about equal in quality and probably built in the same factory. If not aware in Asian countries camping by the general populace is more common as a hobby/pastime usually because it’s paired with carp fishermen and it’s relatively cheap for the citizens.
Unless American companies can maintain quality and reduce prices they’re gonna lose the trade war.
Interested in the Potty Packs stuff. Looked kind of cool and innovative. Likewise some of the Captain Stag camp kitchen stuff looks intriguing.
What kind of sucker would pay 80 bucks on a mug?
A sucker with a trust fund.
Keep in mind that gear from China has been found to have dangerous levels of chemicals like PFAS forever chemicals and higher levels of lead and other chemicals. They also use forced labor from their own populations for cheap labor. NOT all gear is tainted or made by forced labor, but just something to keep in mind.
There's a reason why lanterns use thorium mentals, this lantern really doesn't produce anywhere as much light as it should because gas is bad for black body radiation
Interesting.
I'm trying not to give my money to overseas companies using slave labor. We need to support and grow US manufacturing.
Same here, as long as the price is not astronomically higher.
Arkansas. Iowa. NH. NJ. Lowered ages to 14, extended hours (or eliminated any barriers) to allow them to work. Also weakened restrictions of safety. Jobs that were considered "dangerous" to children for 80 years are now considered safe. When you speak of child labor, look in Americas backyard. There are 8 States that do not care about their children. *unless they’re a fetus
they get their fabrics/materials from overseas even it says made in usa
Which specific companies are using slave labor? I'd like the details so I can avoid them.
Can you confirm that the US companies that use overseas manufacturers don't use slave labor?
You're just giving money to a slave owner in a different country.
I'm skeptical on that mat being a legit 6.6. I'm curious of the price, pack size and weight.
The Firemaple looks like an re-branding MRS we all know. The other cooking systems are like all the other Jetboil clones.
Also skeptical.
Is there a channel for people who have $$$$ to spend?
Yeah it’s called Hilleberg
@@joshuacarr9738 🤣👍
Poor production: Camera constantly out of focus, too much movement. Please redo this video.
Yep, I'm not great at camera work, my apologies. Unfortunately it was an event that only lasted a couple days, so maybe I'll try again next year. Thanks for watching.
Abusive concepts lived out
Come on, man. Learn how to record with your phone. I got dizzy just watching 2 minutes. Useless video recorded like that.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm working on it. This was the first time I recorded in a situation like this and I'm still learning. Cheers.
Asian companies have been very quick to fill the markets that US manufacturers can't or don't want to fill, and they do it as cheaply as possible. They've seen how camping has exploded in the US since the pandemic, and have taken advantage by producing inexpensive gear to compete with brand names. They are very good at doing this. The only response the US can come up with to combat this is high tariffs, because we've lost our competitive edge and innovation.
True, tariffs will slow things down a tad in the short term. But unless US manufacturing fills the demand for quality budget-friendly gear, we'll all just pay more and make both the US government and the overseas manufacturers fat and happy.
Silly
Putty
They all speak perfect Engrish … 😢😮