Thank you soooo much Dave! It’s really great that you could be Mr 2K. Thanks for being a big part of the journey. And yes, you’re next up on the podium. 😁
Nice one Barry, I only got this in my notifications today.......Superbly presented as usual and what a great idea for a video....I prefer European gear over US gear as there Americans over complicate designs in the most part to suit the market. For example the SlingFin tent design with the web truss system. While I like it on the one hand its complicated on the other. Foot print, web truss, inner, and outer all single units managed individually. HILLEBERG SINGLE STEP PITCHING for their Swedish tents. When you are out in the outdoors simple robust designs work best fro me... Tom
Thanks Tom. I totally agree, the simpler the better. Anyone can put up a ‘complicated’ tent in perfect conditions. However, anything outside of this, can become quite problematic. Nice to see your recent vids. Keep it up. 👍🏼
It's always a hard balance between quality/price/ availability and customer service. Just purchased another tent from Alpkit UK .. over another one online. Due to all the reasons above. Here in the UK we have Decathlon. Very good quality and very good customer service. Purchased a pair of kalenji trail trainers for Under 25 pounds... And I'm very happy with them.... excellent for summer backpacking. I think it's about comparing and doing some research, and reading reviews. Good videos Barry.... sometimes you can spend a 1000 pounds and not be happy... Sometimes you can spend 30 pounds and I'm very happy.
So true, man. I also like to support local as much as possible. It’s been tough for retailers over the last couple of years and if what I spend with them helps them in a small way, I’m very happy with that. And you’re right, the most expensive gear isn’t always the best value, nor the one we prefer to use above others. Happy shopping. 😀
Great video mate.. but living in the UK I think we get a good deal on the price and selection of equipment in the shop's and big stores.... good to see everyone trying to get a bargain thought..... all the best mate
Thanks John. I think I need to go to every country in the world to do a comparison video on hiking gear. 🤣 Great to hear your guys can score some good deals over in the UK. I know you have a lot of backpackers over there, so the options are no doubt more than we get in New Zealand. All the best.
Thanks Dave. No I didn’t buy any gear on this trip. I think I’ve probably got enough for now, mind due… 🤣 It’s a shame I could get to REI. Another time for sure.
Thanks! Yeah I need to take a second look at Kmart. I bought an $18 tent last year that survived a storm, so it scored pretty high in my mind. All the best out there.
We do alright in price / performance for gear here in NZ if you do the research and choose wisely. Also some great cottage UL makers appearing in NZ as well. Walmart carries the Decathlon Forclaz puffy's that are a fantastic price / performance though. Also as you said by local and you are more likely to get the warranty support.
I’d suggest like my $18 Kmart tent, they are good for fine weather, 3 seasons of the year. Or possibly as ‘hut insurance’ just in case you can’t get a bunk. I wouldn't take it on anything adventurous though.
Nothing like like dirt cheap, delicious, calorie dense foods when it cold, and your more of walking puddle then human. Then also the have things like dehy humus and way more cheaper dried "meats" depending where you draw the line of meat and dried, flavoured and extrued mystery protein mush meat sticks.. 🤣
Huh. I never thought to shop at Walmart for camping gear...maybe because there isn't one in NYC. I do like the one in Honolulu for lots of non-camping stuff. In fact, it was my first destination when I heard about an incoming tsunami in 2010. Prior to CV-19, this store was open 24 hours/day so it was the best place to go to for emergency supplies.
Yeah it’s good to get out from your local stores and see what other retailers have to offer. Sometimes it’s really great what they have that tempts you into buying stuff you didn't think you needed. 😀
There you go Big Guy, was I the 2,000 Subscriber?
Congratulations that’s an epic milestone 👏👏👏 I”ll join you soon 🤞
Thank you soooo much Dave! It’s really great that you could be Mr 2K. Thanks for being a big part of the journey. And yes, you’re next up on the podium. 😁
Thanks as a back to tramping.Yes I sold all my gear and are now restocking I'm happy we aren't being ripped off.
Another good video Barry, very informative
Thanks Curtis. I hope you’re enjoying your tropical getaway.
very informative, thanks so much!!
You’re very welcome. Thanks for tuning in. 😁
@@wildmountainman1 you are very welcome 🤗
Nice one Barry, I only got this in my notifications today.......Superbly presented as usual and what a great idea for a video....I prefer European gear over US gear as there Americans over complicate designs in the most part to suit the market. For example the SlingFin tent design with the web truss system. While I like it on the one hand its complicated on the other. Foot print, web truss, inner, and outer all single units managed individually. HILLEBERG SINGLE STEP PITCHING for their Swedish tents. When you are out in the outdoors simple robust designs work best fro me... Tom
Thanks Tom. I totally agree, the simpler the better. Anyone can put up a ‘complicated’ tent in perfect conditions. However, anything outside of this, can become quite problematic. Nice to see your recent vids. Keep it up. 👍🏼
It's always a hard balance between quality/price/ availability and customer service.
Just purchased another tent from Alpkit UK .. over another one online.
Due to all the reasons above.
Here in the UK we have Decathlon.
Very good quality and very good customer service.
Purchased a pair of kalenji trail trainers for Under 25 pounds...
And I'm very happy with them.... excellent for summer backpacking.
I think it's about comparing and doing some research, and reading reviews.
Good videos Barry.... sometimes you can spend a 1000 pounds and not be happy...
Sometimes you can spend 30 pounds and I'm very happy.
So true, man. I also like to support local as much as possible. It’s been tough for retailers over the last couple of years and if what I spend with them helps them in a small way, I’m very happy with that. And you’re right, the most expensive gear isn’t always the best value, nor the one we prefer to use above others. Happy shopping. 😀
Great video, Barry. You've made me a bit nostalgic for the Fatherland.
Lol! Thanks. Yes it’s your old stomping ground isn’t it. I always enjoy my time in the USA too.
Great video mate.. but living in the UK I think we get a good deal on the price and selection of equipment in the shop's and big stores.... good to see everyone trying to get a bargain thought..... all the best mate
Thanks John. I think I need to go to every country in the world to do a comparison video on hiking gear. 🤣 Great to hear your guys can score some good deals over in the UK. I know you have a lot of backpackers over there, so the options are no doubt more than we get in New Zealand. All the best.
Interesting research Barry, thanks. Did you buy any new camping gear?
Thanks Dave. No I didn’t buy any gear on this trip. I think I’ve probably got enough for now, mind due… 🤣 It’s a shame I could get to REI. Another time for sure.
Nice video bro! I get all my gear from Kmart// walmart, proper hiking gear is way too expensive!
Thanks! Yeah I need to take a second look at Kmart. I bought an $18 tent last year that survived a storm, so it scored pretty high in my mind. All the best out there.
We do alright in price / performance for gear here in NZ if you do the research and choose wisely. Also some great cottage UL makers appearing in NZ as well. Walmart carries the Decathlon Forclaz puffy's that are a fantastic price / performance though. Also as you said by local and you are more likely to get the warranty support.
Good points Paul. I forgot to check out the clothing section at Walmart. That’ll have to be covered in a Part 2 on my next trip. 😀
Another informative vid thanks. In fariness doing any tent price comparisons, is the Walmart US$ 30 tent suitable for backpacking? I kinda doubt it.
I’d suggest like my $18 Kmart tent, they are good for fine weather, 3 seasons of the year. Or possibly as ‘hut insurance’ just in case you can’t get a bunk. I wouldn't take it on anything adventurous though.
Who’s got the best value hiking gear - New Zealand or USA? In this video I take a close look.
It's shelf stable food that is not camping specific where usa really has us beat TBH... so much ultra processed food.
Too true. It’s always nice to be able to eat some healthy meals when you’re out backpacking. Of course, together with some junk lol.
Nothing like like dirt cheap, delicious, calorie dense foods when it cold, and your more of walking puddle then human. Then also the have things like dehy humus and way more cheaper dried "meats" depending where you draw the line of meat and dried, flavoured and extrued mystery protein mush meat sticks.. 🤣
@@Upsidedownorangejuice love it! There’s so many options nowadays. Some healthy and others far from it. Both I enjoy. 😀
☝️ ｐｒｏｍｏｓｍ
🤣LOVE IT🤣
Huh. I never thought to shop at Walmart for camping gear...maybe because there isn't one in NYC. I do like the one in Honolulu for lots of non-camping stuff. In fact, it was my first destination when I heard about an incoming tsunami in 2010. Prior to CV-19, this store was open 24 hours/day so it was the best place to go to for emergency supplies.
Yeah it’s good to get out from your local stores and see what other retailers have to offer. Sometimes it’s really great what they have that tempts you into buying stuff you didn't think you needed. 😀