7 years ago I was homeless living in a tent in the winter and this man's reviews saved my life .. I watched and I learned and I survived because of this channel ...
I was homeless and in a tent also. I just recently found this channel and so far I like the videos and reviews. But I learned outdoor living skills on Corporals Corner, Self Reliance Outfitters, and The Canadian Preppers channels. This is a great and informative channel. I'm glad I found it. I've been off the streets for a good long time now but its helpful to have the survival skills I've gained from channels like this. Stay strong brother, I wish you the best.
As an Ex US Army soldier that has spent countless nights in sub freezing temps on a mattress pad, mummy bag in a shelter half tent, you just don't need to spend yourself broke to go camping. Premium gear is nice but if it's not in the budget you adapt and overcome with what you have on hand.
Same here. When I was in the infantry in the 1980s we just laid on the ground in a crappy cotton Vietnam-era mummy bag. If it rained we would string up a poncho hooch. It wasn’t until the 1990s we got the modular sleeping system and “pussy” pads as we called the sleeping mat. I spent 29 years and 10 months in the Army and was never issued a tent. In 2015 or so, new Soldiers going through CIF got issued a UCP tarp and I was jealous and bought one from Ranger Joe’s at Benning.
Same here. I joined the Marines in 1989 and our issue was: mummy bag, sleeping pad which resembled a yoga mat, poncho, poncho liner, and shelter half. However, we were able to come up with some pretty interesting makeshift sleep systems... much to our sergeants' dismay sometimes - haha!
@@mitchforster5349 Military surplus is amazing, best waterproof jacket I have is ex-Royal Navy. And better for the planet (well war isn't, sadly... but recycling gear is at least a bit better than new stuff). Only problem is it tends to be heavy. I used an Open Arms pack for decades.
The problem with most north american gear companies is that they are chasing the upper end of the market and ignoring the lower end where most beginners and budget minded campers shop.
It's similar to what the Big 3 have done with automobiles--they abandoned passenger cars like sedans because the profit margins weren't anywhere near what they get on their trucks, even before the last couple of years of inflation. So you have Chinese companies like Onetigris moving into the entry-level market because their products are good enough and relatively affordable for beginning campers. It's one thing to charge more for an entry-level tent due to the price of manufacturing here, but it's another to just abandon that market entirely and try to make it up with truly high-cost products.
Sadly everything is done for profit stricktly due to statistics. You have to have repeat buisness. Companies get repeat business by offering good products at affordable prices. Basic, not top tier only,... Get away from statistics for profit only. You will fail this way. Also, if our government taxed & regulated offshore (Chinese made products) properly instead of being in bed with them, our companies across the board would be in better shape!
As Luke has shown time and time again, inexpensive tents perform very well. The folks at the “upper end” might be the least experienced campers. The more you know, the less you need.
My name is Kyle Lee. I am an ower operator of Ankhiale Outdoors LLC. We are an outdoor equipment company, and we would love to have you review our tent! As honest as you can! I have been a fan of your channel for years and love the way you operate. We are out of Hood River, Oregon, and are a new start-up that could frankly use the help! I totally agree with this video and feel like you are a good representative of the outdoor market! Thank you Luke, Kyle
Too many companies are poorly managed by people more concerned with short term profits instead of long term growth. Look at Sears. They were the Amazon of mail order and with the right management could have gone back to their roots using the internet. Instead, they are run by a vulture capitalist who sold off the best parts of it for short term gain.
@@gimme376 true. That’s definitely a factor. I’ve tried to buy US made only but they just ghost you when you need customer service. Usually blaming it on other employees which doesn’t do anyone any good.
I have had great communication with all of the major outdoor brands in the west and they are willing to send products for review with the understanding the review might be negative if the product is crap. I have heard from multiple brands that they have sent you free products but you don't seem to disclose that. Maybe brands are wary that you don't follow FTC requirements.
Because of a campfire conversation, I took stock of my gear I had with me while hiking and camping and nearly 100% of the gear I had with me was from a foreign company. I would love to have American made camping gear but cannot imagine the cost of that “if” it were possible.
I'm very happy that your taking on this challenge. Unfortunately it's not just happening in the outdoor industry. I hope it's not too late to salvage our American companies.
I'm a old man that can not do what you do, but thank you for supporting America Made as I'm retired from a America company that made tires that feed everyone in the world. And I love what you do sir. And this is what love what you and your wife do! Thank you again for being who you are !
He doesn't support American made, only pays lip service to it for views. He doesn't even support American companies. Nearly all the gear he promotes isn't just made in China, but is a Chinese owned brand.
I'm all the way in Romania, Europe, and I ordered the Durston X Mid 1 tent from the USA, paid 350$ for it + 50$ in shipment and about 70$ in custom duties because it offered something that I needed, it was unique, it has a great design behind and it looked like a very good product. And I am very happy with it. But Luke is right, I would have never paid this money and gone through this hassle if there hadn't been the 10+ "trustable" reviews on youtube that I watched carefully before making the purchase.
@@azclaimjumper Mine was shipped out of the US. May be because of where I ordered it from. It wasn't available anywhere in Europe, not even on the European Amazon markets.
@@azclaimjumperThe designer and owner Dan, is in BC. But they are made in Vietnam, (not China), shipped from the USA. Im in Vancouver, and had to order mine from the USA. Durston is good, it is a North American company. They don’t make their products in China. That’s the biggest thing to watch out for.
Luke, one of the things ALL of us appreciate and value is your absolute honest opinion of the products you are using and reviewing. I, like most of us who are subscribers to your channel, know you will not take a paid partnership with any company if it involves compromising your gear reviews to only show and mention the good sides of the product. You are a straight shooter and we all value that. I think that TH-cam should be required to identify and mark the TH-cam channels that are paid affiliate partners with companies and LIST the companies where they are paid affiliates. If the American companies were serious about wanting to improve their products and get them to be popular to the public, then every one of those companies would REQUIRE the managers, and corporate executives to go out and actually use and review their products in all the conditions that buyers would put them through and experience what you do when evaluating the product. Cold, rain, storms, snow, high winds and a combination of all of those things at once. Then sit down, compare notes and fix the problems they found. Lack of cross ventilation, lack of enough vents, poorly located vents [i.e., ineffective vents], lack of seam tape and seam tape leaks, poor construction, poorly thought out doors or windows, and on and on. There is a program on television called Undercover Boss [I think] that does something similar but witih a different focus. I find it hard to believe that six and seven digit income earners in a company [managers and executives] can call themselves professionals and knowledgeable and who are directly responsible for the success of the company and it's products and employees, yet they don't take an active part in using their products and requiring their peope to do so. Sorry for making this comment so long, but I watched your video about Eureka going under and the reasons why. You are absolutely right, there is little if no marketing and use of TH-cam channels who can provide honest and accurate reviews of their products. I hope that the American companies listen to you and wake up. I still reviewing your videos and collecting the information for what I will buy. I'm retired army and almost all my gear is former GI issue. I'll be spending close to 4K when I finally pull the trigger and buy equipment, clothing, and accessories, but after looking at the bookmarks I have for tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc., I don't see a single American company among my bookmarks. Wake up America, that should tell you something! ! ! I don't like to be negative, so I will hope that your reaching out to the companies will have a positive effect, that they will listen and heed the warnings and writing on the wall. Yes, America is over regulated and yes, the companies are opeating on a narrow margin, but if you can't find a way to reduce costs and improve your product, then perhaps it is time to quit and leave it up to the European and Asian markets to make the products. S&H Luke Keep up the great work.
I like the way you think and those same parameters you were talking about the executives same should be said for congress and the senate and a list of all there donors, congress declares war well they should experience it too, just my thoughts as a veteran!
I agree mate. It should be a requirement for serving at the federal level, congress, senate, or holding office either federal offices VA, HS, State, and president and vice president that ALL of them MUST have served in the military for a minimum of 4 years. If they are going to send people to war, then they should have served themselves!@@Redneckerthanu
This is a death spiral in any given producer or seller of goods. The sales drop, so they try to make up for it by raising prices on the customers they have. This drops how many customers have, so they raise prices, again and again. Once a company spikes their prices, it's very hard to recover because that recovery includes dropping prices at a time when you need revenue more than ever.
My wife and I tried to always buy from companies like North Face (because we live in Colorado) and Columbia (since she's from Oregon) but it's been hard wanting to pay premium prices from companies in the U.S. when their products are made in other countries. This is in every market now. Skechers American shoe company makes their shoes in Vietnam. You will find this all over the different industries. If you're going to buy a product made overseas why pay high American prices.
I really hope the companies listen to you and make necessary adjustments. So thankful for what you do with this channel. I won’t buy any outdoor products without looking at your reviews.
I love your videos I watch every one of them. You provide a great service to us all. Keep up the great work and I hope you can make a difference with the companies here in the USA lower their prices and stay true to the consumer. Thank you Luke.
Good luck to you Luke, you have already managed to create change with different companies by pulling unsafe products off the market, and made everyone aware of products that don’t hit the mark for the price point… either way having a positive impact.
Part of the problem is influencers with paid sponsors pushing crap they've not tested or only tested in their backyards and the product is actually crap. I may not agree with all your videos with certain products based on my years of experience with them, but you and one more is all I watch because I do trust you both your advice because we're never too old or too experienced to learn. Keep up the good work!
I have had Erika cookstove equipment for years and their customer support has been very good and I’m sad to hear that there are no longer going to be able to supply campers with this equipment and thank you so much for giving this presentation about what is happening to our country and a a pat on the back for you to make this offer to help out the big people is pretty remarkable
Thank you Luke and Susie for all your hard work on the channel, I really appreciate everything you both do to bring us honest trustworthy reviews on products that are needed to almost anything outside.
One of the reasons I find myself gravitating more toward hammocks for camping is that I can get more comfort for the same price (or less) from a USA cottage vendor than what I would pay for the tents from the large US companies.
I shifted to hammocks due to chronic bad knees/back problems. I still have (and use, for friends/fellow campers needs), standard 'Tents,' but hope to never again be forced to sleep on the ground, no matter what kind of padding/cushioning there might be!
I went into hammocks because at 72, I was having trouble getting up from the ground. One can camp cheaply with a couple good tarps and a hammock if there are trees about. I have less trouble getting up off the ground now and can use either, which widens my choices. I still have my old tents that I can tarp over if the weather gets foul. But it would be great to see American tent makers come back to their former glory. One of my friends used to sell canvas tents for the festival market. Hope you are successful, Luke!
I am a hammock camper myself and I have bought different products from US cottage vendors but my problem is that I am in Canada and until recently shipping and duties and money exchange I can no longer support the mom and pop companies in the states
Your plan sounds great. Some of these companies may explain the higher prices by stating advertising and labor are expensive in the U.S., but TH-cam is a very cost-effective way to get their name out there. Thank you for proactively doing your part, we appreciate it!
How is he doing his part? Nearly all of his gear videos promote products from Chinese companies and if what we're being told is true, he's even buying the products with his own money. Just a month or so ago he spent hundreds of dollars buying Chinese brands from freakin' Temu! But now it's "Oh, woe is me! US companies aren't keeping up!"? Well, no wonder when even the people who complain about US companies falling by the wayside are doing fk all to promote their products.
There's no labor costs in the US. These companies all manufacture in other countries like China and Mexico. They have very few employees in the US. Even their customer service is handled by India... finances are handled in Europe. They avoid taxes by shuffling money internationally. There's no such thing as an American company anymore.
I have the same 8 x 12 canvas tent. My grandfather used in Vietnam still works like a champ apply oil wax the seams it last forever and it holds about nine people and the woodstove and their gear can’t beat it.
Value is subjective. A tent is only worth what people are willing to pay for it. It doesn’t matter how much money they spend producing a tent; they can’t make us buy it. They’re finding out the hard way.
Luke, thank you so much for what you do. In regards to the paid reviews, it's not just the Outdoor Community that this happens. I see it in several others; TH-camrs/Influencers saying something's good and it turns out they got cherry picked a good item that had like quadruple quality checks on it. So it's not a real review. Honest reviews are hard to come by, and they are appreciated even more in this day and age with all of the misinformation that exists.
Thank you for not yielding to greed and for standing up for strength and honor. I admire and respect you very much. Keep up the good work. God bless you. Thank you, Al Sharon, Police Commander Retired.
I live in a $150 Coleman sundome dark tent. It's been amazing for me so far, even with a foot high of raging water slamming into it and going completely under my tent. Great purchase in my opinion with tarps underneath and on top to protect it more.
Yes. We have multiple Coleman sundome tents of various sizes in our troop. It's great that they all put up almost the same so girls can really get into helping each other put up their tents. And they are affordable. We lost our family one when my husband left the poles on the ground when he and my son went Trail Life camping once and so I opted for my next tent to get one that the poles attached to the tent.
@@hillbillypatriot1 Thank you and yeah past few years I was living out of a car till I lost my job and car in July and have been living in tents ever since. For past two months I’ve been in woods so the government doesn’t harass me
Most Hardcore backpackers are willing to spend over $200 and $300 for a tent. Most companies that those backpackers use are American companies. Zpacks, Durston, Six Moons, Outdoor Vitals. even Nemo and Big Agnes are used by those that do some serious backpacking. The thing is most of those people want lightweight tents and those materials are expensive. I used to have a Eureka tent and liked it, however it was just too heavy. When you're hiking 15 to 20 miles a day you want as light as possible.
If the lightweight gear were more affordable and reliable, more of us could afford to do more backpacking. It is the ultimate way to get out in Nature.
This is correct the input material expense is high with these products, and it’s unlikely to change much even with a more voluminous market. The main user for these fabrics outside of backpacking for example is sail makers. One sail is probably the equivalent to 50 tents of material and I can say it is no cheaper when buying a sail. (Also the fabric has been used in sail making for close to 20 years). The product margins are already low so I can’t see a massive shift in prices without acceptance that every American company needs to achieve crazy high profit margins and executive salaries rates.
The prices are ridiculous. For a person that camps 4 or 5 times per year 3 to 5 hundred is to much. Additionally, most channels focus on higher end products and ignore the needs of common folks. Most people don't storm camp, and some of the things that channels focus on don't relate to the needs of regular people
Preach it louder for the cheap seats in the back! This is true of a lot of channels and the outdoor gear industry who sponsors them. Most people simply can’t afford “premium” gear. They’ve priced themselves out of a huge potential market.
How much does it cost to ethically produce a profitable tent that is dependable as a shelter? Everyone wants everything as cheap as they can get it, but sometimes it can't be any cheaper. I'm not saying that's the case here, but if it isn't, what *would* the price for a well-built tent that does the job without any extra bells and whistles or fancy unnecessarily expensive materials cost? Most tents that I see for really low prices are so poorly constructed that they can't be depended on to actually work and will soon be in the garbage. If someone is on such a budget and infrequent in their use, rent quality gear instead of buying disposable junk. And I look at $300 for a tent one uses 4x per year as being $75/night. But if it is well-built, that tent could last 10 years--that's $7.50/night.
I totally understand the points you are making. I don’t mind spending money on good gear. There have been many nights I’ve spent in the backcountry where I literally would have died without the gear around me. Sometimes we take it for granted. I prioritize it as it shoud be - if the quality product costs a bit more, so be it. A common tendency is to go cheap on a piece of gear that you end up upgrading (replacing) a few times before you end up with the expensive product you wanted in the first place; the chain of intermediate purchases add up to to far more than if you just bought correct the first time. I like the reviews on the good (and often expensive) products. Keep up the good work.
Im looking forward to seeing what comes of this. I already go out of my way to buy American, and sometimes you just have to go on blind faith because of the lack of reviews. I would definitely tip the scales in favor of a company that let you (or other no-agenda creators) review their stuff with no strings attached. Please do us one favor though, if its a US company, let us know how much of the item is actually sourced/made here. There is a big difference to me in an item that is seed to shelf made in USA, vs just a US company doing product support of overseas items but charging like its made in the US.
I appreciate your made in USA goals, and explanation of reason vast majority of your product reviews recently have been non-American made products. You produce stellar videos showcasing products honestly. Greatly appreciate your hard work.
I'm on a fairly tight budget but am willing to pay for quality because in the long run it's a better value. However, quality American made products are getting harder and harder for me to afford. I'm not willing to sacrifice my time outdoors because it's important to me and I enjoy it. I look to people like you to help me navigate and balance affordability with quality. I continue to support your channel and can't wait to see what the future holds for you, and us 😊
I hope the companies take you up on your help! Thanks for doing this for the community! Regardless of the results, take comfort in knowing you did your best to help!
The only way that they're going to take Luke up on his offer, is if they know for a fact that they're gear is cream of the crop and if they are willing to listen to anything he finds wrong with their product and works to fix it and then sends it back to Luke to have it reviewed again, so that it shows that they are trying to have the best products out there. Then Luke can share that with the community.
Thank you Luke. Integrity is extremely perishable. True integrity is not open for negotiation or bidding. It simply is. Luke you have it: people trust your reviews because of your integrity. Thank you for what you do. Good luck in your mission. Strength and Honor!
Ah so that's why you (and other big content creators) have been focusing so much on dirt cheap tents and such! I totally missed that it has been what people have been asking for, I just thought that it makes for easy (and I guess somewhat clickbaity) TH-cam videos. For me personally, I started out with military surplus because that was cheap (at the time) and durable. But these days I prefer "buy once, cry once" attitude more. I'm not looking what's the most expensive, but I'm looking something that lasts for a long time, and that tends to come with a price tag.
Mostly I can not afford over $200 for a price range for a season 3 tent because I am retired and I am been watching your video about different tents and decided to nature hike cloud up 3! Mr Luke ☕
The other big issue is some of the tents and kit that has come out recently have design flaws one way or another. Makes me wonder if they ever even test any of the products in the real world.
Statistics & soon AI will push generally poor quality on the market. It is all about profit & saving on offshore products it seems these days. Design, or rebrand things already made, no testing, push to sell. Seems to be the process.
It’s commendable that Luke is trying to do something about the potential demise of these outdoor companies. I’m not sure about the States but in the UK so many companies started designing and making outdoor gear but then moved the manufacturing of these products abroad, can’t really blame people for purchasing gear that’s almost identical, maybe even made in the same factory but rebranded but way cheaper. Loyalty that may have existed soon disappears once it’s known it’s made elsewhere and one is no longer keeping jobs in the UK or Europe safe.
Luke I think you hit the nail on the head. American companies are losing touch with their customers. Social media is where it’s at now plain and simple. They must evolve.
You understand that the person you're praising is the very same person whose gear videos are dominated by Chinese brands and who just spent hundreds of dollars on Temu to promote yet another one, right?
When I was a kid, we had a “farm team” of campers. Dads who served in WW2; kids were taught how to camp in Scouts or Camp Fire girls. Usually the family camped a time or two in summer. We quit when the sites grew more crowded than home. Today where do kids learn bushcraft? Many YT sites have a camper and a dog…too creepy to show kids online. So…there is need to make camping safe for families, among other things. Otherwise those American companies are dinosaurs.
I am guilty of looking beyond our American companies and buying foreign made outdoor gear. Quite recently, while shopping at REI, I bought an Eureka camp stove, a Yeti cooler and a Nemo sleeping bag. I felt I paid more than what I wanted to spend, but I respected the "made in the USA" tradition. However, I'm finding I could have spent less than half on foreign made products and still have gotten the same or even more use. The SOTO stove products are a good example and they would have been a better fit for my use as a van life camper. You are our knight in shining armor due to your "no agenda" approach and you have earned our collective trust.
As an owner of Big Agnes, Zpacks, Snugpaks, Amok and Nortent for shelters plus Osprey, Gossamer Gear and Helikon-Tex for packs I always advocate for quality products. The garbage from China is just that garbage waiting to fail and become landfill.... My biggest gripe however is with sleep systems, the down quilt and bag products from US brands is bonkers, then the sleep pads of any use are crazy steep.... I'll always focus on quality products, but there is a limit to price.
The fact that with some of the stuff you review, and can infact enact changes with the products you review speaks volumes of your reputation within the outdoor community, perhaps you can help said companies
I've just become familiar with your channel and I follow it a lot. I spent much ory younger years in the outdoor industry managing and owning several shops over those years. You're right on track with your views. I did much backpacking and ski mountaineering so I've used a bunch of gear. I always had a hard time getting.people to spend much money on gear so the American companies were hard to sell. Eureka was a less expensive choice, I sold a lot of them but they never changed their designs at all so they're stale consequently the move away from them. The American companies always maintained high prices even though they out sourced their manufacturing to other countries. They could sell much more product product if they wanted to. Keep up the good work I enjoy your reviews thank you.
This is an excellent video on why America is losing in "Made in America". I hope that you can help in this issue. I purchase items for my vehicles and outdoor life based on quality and durability. I have a Jeep and I use it to go camping in the wilderness. My gear has to withstand 70 mph winds ( being attached to my roof rack), it needs to be waterproof or at least water resistant (driving in sever weather to reach camp), and it needs to be affordable ( because I own a Jeep). I see and help my TH-cam friends with their product reviews when we go out on adventures. the very first question that everyone asks - how much did you spend on this item. That is always the bottom line. Once they see how the item performs that is when they ultimately decide on whether or not they will make the purchase.
Luke I always appreciate your videos and info you provide! I'm on a very fixed income, I can no longer purchase American made products. I've always tried my absolute best to buy American even from some cottage companies but that no longer something I can do. America is almost a name only now, I pray things get better but not going to hold my breath..
We love the Teton products that we learned about through your channel! Teton is a small company that we wish would grow and expand. We have bought a tent, cot pad and backpacks from Teton. Thanks for what you do Luke. God Bless ❤
Hey those companies should be very glad 😊 you are reaching out and trying to focus them...If they have the goods and are willing to stand behind what they are putting out into the market they will be more than happy 😊 to work with you!! Great 😃 job...
The low end, mass produced low cost good enough quality is super saturated market. No way to compete as a small business you cant get the economies of scale.
Make decent outdoor products and charge a little more than the Cheap Chinese Crap, and it will sell. Americans will buy quality, if they're not being priced gouged.
@@teeing9355 I think that market is difficult. Because the china gear is not poor quality it's actually pretty good, and also the high end gear is also made there as well. The made in America so it must be well made is no longer true, it can also be junk if made in America. Every country is also to make junk or great products, but you have to make what your market will buy, if they want to buy junk then you make junk. All ends of the markets are saturated. As a small company you are buying 50 rolls of fabric at a time then you are competing with companies that are buying 1000s of rolls at a time for lower price for same fabric.
Perhaps therein lays the problem. People want affordability rather than quality. Quality keeps you in the business, affordability will send you into debt.
I think that is a great idea. I am an American that likes to buy American made but it also has to be affordable. I am like most of your viewers that would like to stay in the $200-$300 range. So it doesn’t make sense to spend much more than that on a tent that will not be used much or in extreme temperatures. Thanks for your continued honesty.
Luke has more pride of their products than the company themselves.. It's all about profit on the lowest labor and material cost. At least DAC poles are manufactured in Korea.
Maaaaaaaaaan that sucks, I've got a Eureka extreme-rated cold weather sleeping bag I bought years ago, it's held up very well and works great, sad to hear them going under. You've got a great point about the Outdoor market/ industry here, something does need to change to improve and keep the US made and owned market going.
I hope you’re able to help. It’s very sad to see these companies struggling and even going out of business. I always loved Eureka. Sad to see them go 😔
Thank you for being the content creator that you are. I feel most of us would prefer American Made over anything if we could afford it. Sad to see that being outdoors is begining to cost so much money. Keep doing what you're doing Luke and thank you for your integrity. Much love from Maryland
Funny you mention this. I've been concerned about this happening to Marmot for years. No real reason other than I've seen them grow from a local shop focused on climbing and camping gear to what it is now in the Fashion Outdoor space. Prices seem ridiculously high. Sales seem steeply discounted and I've wondered how sustainable it is. Good luck with your discussions. It will be interesting to see what becomes of it. Thanks for your efforts.
It’s sad, I own a glove company here in the states. It’s a very niche market. But there’s only a few outdoor gear companies turning a profit. Mine is small enough where I am doing well. But who knows how long that’ll last.
You did hit on two very good points, but I think you missed another. Part of the reason they aren't getting their names out there is because they simply aren't innovating anymore. A lot of smaller reviewers in the outdoor space want a "hook" so instead of reviewing the latest version of a Nemo or BA tent, that changes very little, they might review a Durston, Tarp Tent, or Six Moons Design tent that has some innovations (like SilPoly materials) to it, and weirdly for cottage vendors often have better price points. The lack of innovation also has another bit, and it dovetails with the Price Point issue you raised. If you aren't going to innovate why should someone bother spending the extra money when a comparable product, at a better price point, exists. Lastly most "American" companies went to having their tents made in Asia years ago, often Vietnam. So does it make logical sense to spend up to 3xs the price for an "Designed in America" tent that might be coming out of the exact same factory in Vietnam as one that doesn't bare that lable?
sadly, 99% of companies based in USA, have products, made overseas, shipped to USA, then sold as USA based product, however you want to look at it, nothing is USA made, seed to shelf any longer, also ( QC quality control) isn't there either. I have seen tents and tarps,leak so bad it is actually dangerous. and same goes for sleep systems. the ratings at which they are rated for( comfort, and survivability ) arre all over the spectrum. 1 wrong purchase and you can literally die. I have been watching ToGR for yrs. I trust Luke and Suzy reviews over the thousands on youtube. I have been in the outdoor space for 40+ years and like Luke said most USA companies have priced themselves out of the market and basically sell to the select few that can afford their gear. REI comes to mind as well. their prices are so sky high, I will never be able to afford it. I looked for comparable gear on par witb big companies in USA outside of the states finding better gear at lower prices so why pay the stupid high prices for basically same gear made overseas. Don't get it wrong I rather support USA made, USA supplied mom and pop companies, but, the innovation, and price point just isn't there, like it is overseas. granted some stuff overseas is utter garbage but if you sift long enough you know what companies are making the best gear for the bang of the buck. its just simple math, sad as it may be, the QC and price point is just there.
Even if the tent is made in the USA, are Americans citizens even working in the factory? We’re living in a country where we are called racist if we draw any distinction between someone who was born and raised here and another person who just snuck across the border. What does “made in America” mean anymore and why should we care?
Luke, I'm so glad you made this video. I wasn't aware of the problem with made-in-the-USA outdoor products. I sincerely hope that each and every US mfgr responds to you and works with you to get their name out and to step up their marketing game! It reminds me of AT&T manufacturing a better PC than IBM. Remember that home computer? Yeah, no one else does either. They thought erroneously that their name was all it took to get customers to buy their product. They (and America) learned a hard lesson. People need to know about the benefits of a product as well as knowing about the company/product. Marketing, marketing, and if they can't remember that it's marketing! Customers need to know about a product, details of its benefits, and why it's a better mousetrap. Again, I hope you get a 100% positive response response from those American manufacturers of outdoor gear!
I understand your concern, it is sad to see an increasing amount of our manufacturing move overseas. I am a “low use” tent camper, using my equipment 10 days per year, only in Florida. I purchased an REI Kingdom 4 tent/garage 8 years ago and have been completely satisfied with it. I knew I would only be using this in a relatively warm climate with a high probability of thunderstorms, which went into my decision making process. Another deciding factor was the ability to stand up when inside the tent. Single handed ease of set up is nice but let’s face it, there’s not a tent out there that requires an engineering degree to set up. From what I have learned when helping people set up their tents is that knowing the proper sequence is probably the most important consideration. I’ve been through many rainy days and numerous thunderstorms and to this day, the tent has always remained completely dry, no leaks at all. Seam stitching is also quite good, even after pulling the tie-downs too tight the first few times (tight is good, “drum tight” not so good). I suspect I could have purchased a less expensive tent of similar dimensions but I don’t know if it could be approaching 100 days of use and still be as good as new. That being said, I must say, after being in one of the REI stores a number of years ago, a lot of items seemed to be far overpriced at least for my expected use. To be fair though, I’d have to compare them to a similar, less expensive item in order to determine a proper price/value amount.
Having a couple eureka assaults I can say that the quality dropped significantly from our original that went 10 years. Whereas we’ve developed issues with the newer one in just one year of use. The new one is a full 5 lbs lighter than the old one. Sadly I think Eureka tried to keep the same price point from 10 years ago, when I would of paid significantly more for another 10 year tent and lament the good old days when things were cheaper. Good gear is not cheap sadly. I think a great majority of tents are now sold to be thrown away after one or two uses, because most tents sold will only be used once or twice. I have been shopping for sometime now looking for a quality 4 season tent. Which now feels like I’m looking for a unicorn. Replacing the Eureka is proving difficult. Even considering buying another Eureka as they sent us an offer since they are closing down, same price as msrp! And honestly I think I’m going to buy it!
Thanks, as always Luke, for your straight up and honest take on things. I am from Australia, and have enjoyed your content over the years and listened to your suggestions when buying outdoor gear, even to the point of supporting the US Companies and importing goods from America. But recently, seeing the same thing happening in my own country, I had decided the same thing, to purchase my gear from local Australian companies, supporting them over supporting overseas companies. I currently am purchasing equipment from a small company here in Queensland Australia called Alton, which have been improving their product lines now over the past 3 years. Pretty much anything I was buying in from overseas now is coming to me from a local brand and local company. We all need to start to support our local producers, support local jobs, and support the pastime we all love, our great outdoors. Good luck with your proposed approaches to your local companies.
I bought a Naturehike Mongar 2 after following your reviews and well informed insights. At the time I was considering price and quality as I have never camped before. Everything else I looked at was substantially more costly for what I wanted in a tent. I figured get something lower cost in case I did not like the experience. All of the other equipment I purchased has been from USA made cottage industries. I have found these well worth their value. When I decide to get a new tent it will be USA made. I'll be watching as you do more testing with these products. Thank you.
The same happens in the gaming space. I mostly cover flight simulations and related stuff. Chinese companies are approaching me with gear to review while there's silence from most other manufacturers. What's also noteworthy is the community support they give. They reply within hours instead of days or weeks, give competent input and are mostly open for suggestions and improvements. They really know how to play the social media game whilst US and European companies seem to struggle. Love your reviews by the way! Thanks for your efforts! Making quality reviews is a lot of work.
I have two Alps Mountaineering 3 season heavy duty outfitter tents. Both are 3 person; and were priced at 225 and 275 at the time of purchase on Amazon. Yeah they arent backpacking tents; but they are good quality tents that I'm sure will last for many more years.
@@aaronhiggs had to double check the name of the one; but I have the Extreme and Taurus 3 person tents. Its a bear to set up alone; but I do love the Extreme. It was my first tent, and in 2016 I took it cross country on a road trip Pa to the Oregon coast and then swinging through the south west for the return trip. It withstood storms on the plains. So many great memories. The Taurus was purchased because I needed something a little easier to set up for the Acadia trip a few years ago. Once again - absolutely loved it.
@@Maryland_Kulak two times usually. A longer trip in the summer for around two weeks and a shorter 1 week trip in the spring. Workplace gives a large amount of vacation days, and we must take two consecutive weeks off to "help reduce stress". That cross country road trip I did with the extreme outfitter tent was during my last year of college and was for two months.
i think you could do a lot of good if they are willing to cooperate. dont ever loose your integrity Luke you are awesome if more ppl were like you the world would be a better place. honor is sorely missed in modern society
Good luck brother and if there is anything we can do let us know. Your subscribers are with you and are Patriots. We don't want to see the US be come obsolete. If you need it we will come.
In the UK, North Face has become more of a fashion brand. Also seems to have some negative connotations around the teenage boys that have adopted the brand.
And became insanely expensive - I used to swear by the Hedgehogs, but they doubled in price and apparently became less good in newer versions (I call that the Rebook/Adidas effect, get a good product, then scale it down til it's trash). I still horde one of the good pairs for the future.
I think part of the issue is cottage industry companies are also growing. Look at Zpacks , durston, and other vendors. I think that is part of the reason too
Often times they have the best stuff, and they can be pretty engaged with their customers. Their problem is that they rarely get wider exposure to anyone who isn't proactive enough to dig and discover them. Many smaller gear companies would blow the big names out of the water if they could just reach more people and scale their production up (but as is so often the case in capitalism, they'd likely compromise their product and lose what made them special along the way).
Durston has been night and day better than Big Agnes as a company. You can tell who ever runs Durston is all about customer service, and they make a great product.
I don’t comment often. “Listen and learn” I must say, I like this plan of yours. I agree with what you are thinking. Lastly, I enjoy your content and very much appreciate your integrity. Always have. Stay safe.
I took a look back through your videos... The last time you talked about a Big Agnes tent was 2 months ago. The last time you talked about a Nemo product was a year ago. Maybe you've got them in some trip videos... But there sure is a lot of Naturehike, One Tigris, and other "cheap China" brands in your recent videos. Don't see much of what you're talking about in your videos the last year. You sure throw a lot of shade onto other channels in the outdoor space.
There are a number of small USA companies that put out quality products. I have been purchasing them from Garage Grown Gear. The prices have been very reasonable and the quality is top notch. I think they would be a great source for you and us that watch your channel. I think you do a great job Luke and this is a great opportunity for you to make an impact on the industry.
You have done a great job reviewing for us and I am now buying the black tent ( OneTigris Stella). So we thank you for the hard work . As you said honesty is what people are looking for and high inflation these days are driving people to look for value. Brands such as Big Agnes, Nemo and MSR are familiar names to us and they are now synonomous with the image of “ Expensive”. If these products are really made of superior quality or as we here are interested with preserving American jobs, then many of us are willing to support them. The questions is are they of 2-3x higher quality as their price suggest? Furthermore, are they really made in America? A quick check on the Internet reveal all these brands are actually made outside the US. So we have to ask: Why and what justify such higher prices? If so, are they really making razor thin profit?
I appreciate your content as it's introduced me to quality products I would've never found otherwise, cheers and good luck. I hope you're able to make an impact.
I wanted an Eureka Timberline tent for several years. But the price was so high, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase one. I don't know what the answer is, or even if this is an answer. I remember we used to make electronics in this country.
Most of my tents and gear are either directly Chinese branded or made in China. I'd buy more UK made stuff if it was actually made here and wasn't a complete piddle take price wise. Unfortunately it's at a point of quantity over quality and getting the balance right. Seeing you do comparisons between US (maybe UK) vs the cheaper variants for comparison would be great.
Same here mate but we are a "Service" industry driven economy in the UK now and don't make anything anymore. Disgrace really because its down to the idiots in Parliament and business owners wanting more profit at the cost of decent jobs in the UK making our own gear.
@@OfWodensFolk You forgot logistics in there, I'm sure we do nothing but ship things around the country. Couldn't agree more that this country is going down the toilet, govt is only there to line the pockets of businesses and themselves.
@@davidcann6021 I did indeed, apologies. We are getting closer and closer to what Fawkes planned centuries back regardless if Charles III is sat on his little chair or not. When a complete wanker of a "member of parliament" admits that they are flooding our island with immigrants to keep the wages down....we've got two choices.
Thank you for making this video. I am heart sick to hear Eureka is going out of business. I am in my 70's. I began backpacking with Eureka tents. Their tents were affordable and kept me safe and dry for decades. Something is very wrong with our financial system when a company like Eureka fails. This is very bad and worrisome. Eureka made the TCOP tent for the military. My favorite Eureka tent is a double walled tent almost exactly like the TCOP only made with more light weight materials. I 'm very glad you are trying to do something about this troubling trend. I appreciate your channel a lot.
7 years ago I was homeless living in a tent in the winter and this man's reviews saved my life .. I watched and I learned and I survived because of this channel ...
Bless you, my friend. For most of us, camping is a hobby. You’re a true professional.
I was homeless and in a tent also. I just recently found this channel and so far I like the videos and reviews.
But I learned outdoor living skills on Corporals Corner, Self Reliance Outfitters, and The Canadian Preppers channels.
This is a great and informative channel. I'm glad I found it.
I've been off the streets for a good long time now but its helpful to have the survival skills I've gained from channels like this.
Stay strong brother, I wish you the best.
When I want quality outdoor equipment, I rely on name brand companies that are true and tested like BA, MSR, NF, etc.
homeless in a tent watching TH-cam videos so you are better informed to make the better gear purchase for living in a tent ..homeless?
@@billypeek7186 sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Doesn’t mean you’re staying on the street.
As an Ex US Army soldier that has spent countless nights in sub freezing temps on a mattress pad, mummy bag in a shelter half tent, you just don't need to spend yourself broke to go camping. Premium gear is nice but if it's not in the budget you adapt and overcome with what you have on hand.
Same here. When I was in the infantry in the 1980s we just laid on the ground in a crappy cotton Vietnam-era mummy bag. If it rained we would string up a poncho hooch. It wasn’t until the 1990s we got the modular sleeping system and “pussy” pads as we called the sleeping mat. I spent 29 years and 10 months in the Army and was never issued a tent. In 2015 or so, new Soldiers going through CIF got issued a UCP tarp and I was jealous and bought one from Ranger Joe’s at Benning.
Yes sir, Army surplus for the win.
Bought an ICS tent few years ago. This thing is bomb proof lol
Same here. I joined the Marines in 1989 and our issue was: mummy bag, sleeping pad which resembled a yoga mat, poncho, poncho liner, and shelter half. However, we were able to come up with some pretty interesting makeshift sleep systems... much to our sergeants' dismay sometimes - haha!
@@mitchforster5349 Military surplus is amazing, best waterproof jacket I have is ex-Royal Navy. And better for the planet (well war isn't, sadly... but recycling gear is at least a bit better than new stuff). Only problem is it tends to be heavy. I used an Open Arms pack for decades.
Well said.
The problem with most north american gear companies is that they are chasing the upper end of the market and ignoring the lower end where most beginners and budget minded campers shop.
It's similar to what the Big 3 have done with automobiles--they abandoned passenger cars like sedans because the profit margins weren't anywhere near what they get on their trucks, even before the last couple of years of inflation. So you have Chinese companies like Onetigris moving into the entry-level market because their products are good enough and relatively affordable for beginning campers. It's one thing to charge more for an entry-level tent due to the price of manufacturing here, but it's another to just abandon that market entirely and try to make it up with truly high-cost products.
Sadly everything is done for profit stricktly due to statistics. You have to have repeat buisness. Companies get repeat business by offering good products at affordable prices. Basic, not top tier only,... Get away from statistics for profit only. You will fail this way. Also, if our government taxed & regulated offshore (Chinese made products) properly instead of being in bed with them, our companies across the board would be in better shape!
Labor costs make American made budget tents impossible, simple as
As Luke has shown time and time again, inexpensive tents perform very well. The folks at the “upper end” might be the least experienced campers. The more you know, the less you need.
@@mikekraut7643If you read the fine print, a lot of these “American” tents are made in China too.
My name is Kyle Lee. I am an ower operator of Ankhiale Outdoors LLC.
We are an outdoor equipment company, and we would love to have you review our tent! As honest as you can!
I have been a fan of your channel for years and love the way you operate.
We are out of Hood River, Oregon, and are a new start-up that could frankly use the help!
I totally agree with this video and feel like you are a good representative of the outdoor market!
Thank you Luke,
Kyle
Quality, value and customer service could have saved these companies.
Amen to that!
Too many companies are poorly managed by people more concerned with short term profits instead of long term growth.
Look at Sears. They were the Amazon of mail order and with the right management could have gone back to their roots using the internet. Instead, they are run by a vulture capitalist who sold off the best parts of it for short term gain.
Marketing mainly imo, people are aware of them but they dont seem to be really adapting to the current market very well
@@gimme376 true. That’s definitely a factor. I’ve tried to buy US made only but they just ghost you when you need customer service. Usually blaming it on other employees which doesn’t do anyone any good.
I agree
I have had great communication with all of the major outdoor brands in the west and they are willing to send products for review with the understanding the review might be negative if the product is crap.
I have heard from multiple brands that they have sent you free products but you don't seem to disclose that. Maybe brands are wary that you don't follow FTC requirements.
Maybe those companies are trying to deface Luke, just a thought because I've seen it happen in the business world that I was part of for 25 years
Because of a campfire conversation, I took stock of my gear I had with me while hiking and camping and nearly 100% of the gear I had with me was from a foreign company. I would love to have American made camping gear but cannot imagine the cost of that “if” it were possible.
American dollar sits at $1.53 to Australian. The price of a Durston midxp2 is au$1153.62 not including shipping!
At least double. Maybe 240%. and that's mostly 'entry-level' gear. 'Top shelf American' vas 'top shelf' (if it exists) Chinese is probably 600%.
I'm very happy that your taking on this challenge. Unfortunately it's not just happening in the outdoor industry. I hope it's not too late to salvage our American companies.
AGREED!
This is why I love TOGR. Information you can trust from people you like. Thanks Luke! You are the tip of the sword in the YT outdoors community.
I'm a old man that can not do what you do, but thank you for supporting America Made as I'm retired from a America company that made tires that feed everyone in the world. And I love what you do sir. And this is what love what you and your wife do! Thank you again for being who you are !
Dumb question, how do tires feed people? 😂
He doesn't support American made, only pays lip service to it for views. He doesn't even support American companies. Nearly all the gear he promotes isn't just made in China, but is a Chinese owned brand.
I'm all the way in Romania, Europe, and I ordered the Durston X Mid 1 tent from the USA, paid 350$ for it + 50$ in shipment and about 70$ in custom duties because it offered something that I needed, it was unique, it has a great design behind and it looked like a very good product. And I am very happy with it. But Luke is right, I would have never paid this money and gone through this hassle if there hadn't been the 10+ "trustable" reviews on youtube that I watched carefully before making the purchase.
Glad a Romanian Shoulder bag arrived. I applied mink oil from 12 yrs. ago on its leather straps to smoothly go through buckle here in ne Ohio.
Durstan Tents are manufactured in British Columbia, Canada, however, they are readily available here in America.
@@azclaimjumper Mine was shipped out of the US. May be because of where I ordered it from. It wasn't available anywhere in Europe, not even on the European Amazon markets.
Thank you Luke. I appreciate you two and your integrity.
@@azclaimjumperThe designer and owner Dan, is in BC. But they are made in Vietnam, (not China), shipped from the USA. Im in Vancouver, and had to order mine from the USA.
Durston is good, it is a North American company.
They don’t make their products in China. That’s the biggest thing to watch out for.
Luke, one of the things ALL of us appreciate and value is your absolute honest opinion of the products you are using and reviewing. I, like most of us who are subscribers to your channel, know you will not take a paid partnership with any company if it involves compromising your gear reviews to only show and mention the good sides of the product. You are a straight shooter and we all value that. I think that TH-cam should be required to identify and mark the TH-cam channels that are paid affiliate partners with companies and LIST the companies where they are paid affiliates.
If the American companies were serious about wanting to improve their products and get them to be popular to the public, then every one of those companies would REQUIRE the managers, and corporate executives to go out and actually use and review their products in all the conditions that buyers would put them through and experience what you do when evaluating the product. Cold, rain, storms, snow, high winds and a combination of all of those things at once. Then sit down, compare notes and fix the problems they found. Lack of cross ventilation, lack of enough vents, poorly located vents [i.e., ineffective vents], lack of seam tape and seam tape leaks, poor construction, poorly thought out doors or windows, and on and on.
There is a program on television called Undercover Boss [I think] that does something similar but witih a different focus. I find it hard to believe that six and seven digit income earners in a company [managers and executives] can call themselves professionals and knowledgeable and who are directly responsible for the success of the company and it's products and employees, yet they don't take an active part in using their products and requiring their peope to do so.
Sorry for making this comment so long, but I watched your video about Eureka going under and the reasons why. You are absolutely right, there is little if no marketing and use of TH-cam channels who can provide honest and accurate reviews of their products. I hope that the American companies listen to you and wake up.
I still reviewing your videos and collecting the information for what I will buy. I'm retired army and almost all my gear is former GI issue. I'll be spending close to 4K when I finally pull the trigger and buy equipment, clothing, and accessories, but after looking at the bookmarks I have for tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc., I don't see a single American company among my bookmarks.
Wake up America, that should tell you something! ! ! I don't like to be negative, so I will hope that your reaching out to the companies will have a positive effect, that they will listen and heed the warnings and writing on the wall. Yes, America is over regulated and yes, the companies are opeating on a narrow margin, but if you can't find a way to reduce costs and improve your product, then perhaps it is time to quit and leave it up to the European and Asian markets to make the products.
S&H Luke Keep up the great work.
I like the way you think and those same parameters you were talking about the executives same should be said for congress and the senate and a list of all there donors, congress declares war well they should experience it too, just my thoughts as a veteran!
I agree mate. It should be a requirement for serving at the federal level, congress, senate, or holding office either federal offices VA, HS, State, and president and vice president that ALL of them MUST have served in the military for a minimum of 4 years. If they are going to send people to war, then they should have served themselves!@@Redneckerthanu
This is a death spiral in any given producer or seller of goods. The sales drop, so they try to make up for it by raising prices on the customers they have. This drops how many customers have, so they raise prices, again and again. Once a company spikes their prices, it's very hard to recover because that recovery includes dropping prices at a time when you need revenue more than ever.
Please don’t stop what you’re doing. It’s so hard to find an honest person these days. Things are getting out of hand.
My wife and I tried to always buy from companies like North Face (because we live in Colorado) and Columbia (since she's from Oregon) but it's been hard wanting to pay premium prices from companies in the U.S. when their products are made in other countries. This is in every market now. Skechers American shoe company makes their shoes in Vietnam. You will find this all over the different industries. If you're going to buy a product made overseas why pay high American prices.
Tommy Bahama makes fabulous silk shirts...all made in China.
Columbia is owned by an Investment group-Vanguard. Nowhere near Oregon in decades.
So pay high and buy quality American made.
I really hope the companies listen to you and make necessary adjustments. So thankful for what you do with this channel. I won’t buy any outdoor products without looking at your reviews.
Luke I'm glad you realize that you are an influencer in the outdoors gear market and you are doing the correct thing to do. Keep the good work.
I love your videos I watch every one of them. You provide a great service to us all. Keep up the great work and I hope you can make a difference with the companies here in the USA lower their prices and stay true to the consumer. Thank you Luke.
Good luck to you Luke, you have already managed to create change with different companies by pulling unsafe products off the market, and made everyone aware of products that don’t hit the mark for the price point… either way having a positive impact.
Part of the problem is influencers with paid sponsors pushing crap they've not tested or only tested in their backyards and the product is actually crap. I may not agree with all your videos with certain products based on my years of experience with them, but you and one more is all I watch because I do trust you both your advice because we're never too old or too experienced to learn. Keep up the good work!
I have had Erika cookstove equipment for years and their customer support has been very good and I’m sad to hear that there are no longer going to be able to supply campers with this equipment and thank you so much for giving this presentation about what is happening to our country and a a pat on the back for you to make this offer to help out the big people is pretty remarkable
Thank you Luke and Susie for all your hard work on the channel, I really appreciate everything you both do to bring us honest trustworthy reviews on products that are needed to almost anything outside.
One of the reasons I find myself gravitating more toward hammocks for camping is that I can get more comfort for the same price (or less) from a USA cottage vendor than what I would pay for the tents from the large US companies.
I shifted to hammocks due to chronic bad knees/back problems. I still have (and use, for friends/fellow campers needs), standard 'Tents,' but hope to never again be forced to sleep on the ground, no matter what kind of padding/cushioning there might be!
I went into hammocks because at 72, I was having trouble getting up from the ground. One can camp cheaply with a couple good tarps and a hammock if there are trees about. I have less trouble getting up off the ground now and can use either, which widens my choices. I still have my old tents that I can tarp over if the weather gets foul. But it would be great to see American tent makers come back to their former glory. One of my friends used to sell canvas tents for the festival market. Hope you are successful, Luke!
I am a hammock camper myself and I have bought different products from US cottage vendors but my problem is that I am in Canada and until recently shipping and duties and money exchange I can no longer support the mom and pop companies in the states
I highly respect your honesty. As a fellow impartial youtube reviewer, I can only respect and admire your process
Your plan sounds great. Some of these companies may explain the higher prices by stating advertising and labor are expensive in the U.S., but TH-cam is a very cost-effective way to get their name out there. Thank you for proactively doing your part, we appreciate it!
How is he doing his part? Nearly all of his gear videos promote products from Chinese companies and if what we're being told is true, he's even buying the products with his own money. Just a month or so ago he spent hundreds of dollars buying Chinese brands from freakin' Temu! But now it's "Oh, woe is me! US companies aren't keeping up!"? Well, no wonder when even the people who complain about US companies falling by the wayside are doing fk all to promote their products.
There's no labor costs in the US. These companies all manufacture in other countries like China and Mexico. They have very few employees in the US. Even their customer service is handled by India... finances are handled in Europe. They avoid taxes by shuffling money internationally.
There's no such thing as an American company anymore.
I always love your honest feedback about issues like this! Thanks for what you do and keep doing it!!
I have the same 8 x 12 canvas tent. My grandfather used in Vietnam still works like a champ apply oil wax the seams it last forever and it holds about nine people and the woodstove and their gear can’t beat it.
My tents are all thrift store tents made from the late 70's to late 90's sure it's heavy but it still can hold a load of wind and snow.
Value is subjective. A tent is only worth what people are willing to pay for it. It doesn’t matter how much money they spend producing a tent; they can’t make us buy it. They’re finding out the hard way.
I love your idea. See a problem and take ownership of making a change. I support you and appreciate all that you do in your honest reviews.
Luke, thank you so much for what you do. In regards to the paid reviews, it's not just the Outdoor Community that this happens. I see it in several others; TH-camrs/Influencers saying something's good and it turns out they got cherry picked a good item that had like quadruple quality checks on it. So it's not a real review. Honest reviews are hard to come by, and they are appreciated even more in this day and age with all of the misinformation that exists.
Thank you for not yielding to greed and for standing up for strength and honor. I admire and respect you very much. Keep up the good work. God bless you. Thank you, Al Sharon, Police Commander Retired.
I live in a $150 Coleman sundome dark tent. It's been amazing for me so far, even with a foot high of raging water slamming into it and going completely under my tent. Great purchase in my opinion with tarps underneath and on top to protect it more.
Yes. We have multiple Coleman sundome tents of various sizes in our troop. It's great that they all put up almost the same so girls can really get into helping each other put up their tents. And they are affordable. We lost our family one when my husband left the poles on the ground when he and my son went Trail Life camping once and so I opted for my next tent to get one that the poles attached to the tent.
I keep saying that about tarps! I buy $30 CHICOM tents off of Amazon and use them under a tarp. I never have a problem.
If you’re homeless, I hope your conditions improve soon, I wish well to you.
@@hillbillypatriot1 Thank you and yeah past few years I was living out of a car till I lost my job and car in July and have been living in tents ever since. For past two months I’ve been in woods so the government doesn’t harass me
@@KdawgThegreat what would help you for your immediate situation?
This is a big issue in many industries. Optics are a great example of it as well.
Most Hardcore backpackers are willing to spend over $200 and $300 for a tent. Most companies that those backpackers use are American companies. Zpacks, Durston, Six Moons, Outdoor Vitals. even Nemo and Big Agnes are used by those that do some serious backpacking. The thing is most of those people want lightweight tents and those materials are expensive. I used to have a Eureka tent and liked it, however it was just too heavy. When you're hiking 15 to 20 miles a day you want as light as possible.
Most people aren’t hardcore backpackers. Thats the issue.
If the lightweight gear were more affordable and reliable, more of us could afford to do more backpacking. It is the ultimate way to get out in Nature.
This is correct the input material expense is high with these products, and it’s unlikely to change much even with a more voluminous market. The main user for these fabrics outside of backpacking for example is sail makers. One sail is probably the equivalent to 50 tents of material and I can say it is no cheaper when buying a sail. (Also the fabric has been used in sail making for close to 20 years). The product margins are already low so I can’t see a massive shift in prices without acceptance that every American company needs to achieve crazy high profit margins and executive salaries rates.
Thank you for being this to more people and trying to help the US companies
The prices are ridiculous. For a person that camps 4 or 5 times per year 3 to 5 hundred is to much. Additionally, most channels focus on higher end products and ignore the needs of common folks. Most people don't storm camp, and some of the things that channels focus on don't relate to the needs of regular people
Preach it louder for the cheap seats in the back! This is true of a lot of channels and the outdoor gear industry who sponsors them. Most people simply can’t afford “premium” gear. They’ve priced themselves out of a huge potential market.
How much does it cost to ethically produce a profitable tent that is dependable as a shelter? Everyone wants everything as cheap as they can get it, but sometimes it can't be any cheaper. I'm not saying that's the case here, but if it isn't, what *would* the price for a well-built tent that does the job without any extra bells and whistles or fancy unnecessarily expensive materials cost? Most tents that I see for really low prices are so poorly constructed that they can't be depended on to actually work and will soon be in the garbage. If someone is on such a budget and infrequent in their use, rent quality gear instead of buying disposable junk. And I look at $300 for a tent one uses 4x per year as being $75/night. But if it is well-built, that tent could last 10 years--that's $7.50/night.
I totally understand the points you are making. I don’t mind spending money on good gear. There have been many nights I’ve spent in the backcountry where I literally would have died without the gear around me. Sometimes we take it for granted. I prioritize it as it shoud be - if the quality product costs a bit more, so be it. A common tendency is to go cheap on a piece of gear that you end up upgrading (replacing) a few times before you end up with the expensive product you wanted in the first place; the chain of intermediate purchases add up to to far more than if you just bought correct the first time. I like the reviews on the good (and often expensive) products. Keep up the good work.
Im looking forward to seeing what comes of this. I already go out of my way to buy American, and sometimes you just have to go on blind faith because of the lack of reviews. I would definitely tip the scales in favor of a company that let you (or other no-agenda creators) review their stuff with no strings attached. Please do us one favor though, if its a US company, let us know how much of the item is actually sourced/made here. There is a big difference to me in an item that is seed to shelf made in USA, vs just a US company doing product support of overseas items but charging like its made in the US.
An alarming trend for sure. Thank you for reaching out to these companies!
I appreciate your made in USA goals, and explanation of reason vast majority of your product reviews recently have been non-American made products. You produce stellar videos showcasing products honestly. Greatly appreciate your hard work.
I'm on a fairly tight budget but am willing to pay for quality because in the long run it's a better value. However, quality American made products are getting harder and harder for me to afford. I'm not willing to sacrifice my time outdoors because it's important to me and I enjoy it. I look to people like you to help me navigate and balance affordability with quality. I continue to support your channel and can't wait to see what the future holds for you, and us 😊
I hope the companies take you up on your help! Thanks for doing this for the community! Regardless of the results, take comfort in knowing you did your best to help!
The only way that they're going to take Luke up on his offer, is if they know for a fact that they're gear is cream of the crop and if they are willing to listen to anything he finds wrong with their product and works to fix it and then sends it back to Luke to have it reviewed again, so that it shows that they are trying to have the best products out there. Then Luke can share that with the community.
Thank you Luke. Integrity is extremely perishable. True integrity is not open for negotiation or bidding. It simply is. Luke you have it: people trust your reviews because of your integrity. Thank you for what you do. Good luck in your mission.
Strength and Honor!
Ah so that's why you (and other big content creators) have been focusing so much on dirt cheap tents and such! I totally missed that it has been what people have been asking for, I just thought that it makes for easy (and I guess somewhat clickbaity) TH-cam videos. For me personally, I started out with military surplus because that was cheap (at the time) and durable. But these days I prefer "buy once, cry once" attitude more. I'm not looking what's the most expensive, but I'm looking something that lasts for a long time, and that tends to come with a price tag.
Mostly I can not afford over $200 for a price range for a season 3 tent because I am retired and I am been watching your video about different tents and decided to nature hike cloud up 3! Mr Luke ☕
The other big issue is some of the tents and kit that has come out recently have design flaws one way or another. Makes me wonder if they ever even test any of the products in the real world.
Nope
Statistics & soon AI will push generally poor quality on the market. It is all about profit & saving on offshore products it seems these days. Design, or rebrand things already made, no testing, push to sell. Seems to be the process.
And THANK YOU for your integrity, Luke.
It’s commendable that Luke is trying to do something about the potential demise of these outdoor companies.
I’m not sure about the States but in the UK so many companies started designing and making outdoor gear but then moved the manufacturing of these products abroad, can’t really blame people for purchasing gear that’s almost identical, maybe even made in the same factory but rebranded but way cheaper.
Loyalty that may have existed soon disappears once it’s known it’s made elsewhere and one is no longer keeping jobs in the UK or Europe safe.
You make perfect sense, Luke....thanks for caring enough about our companies and workers to be willing to try to help! Have a BLESSED Thanksgiving!😊
Luke I think you hit the nail on the head. American companies are losing touch with their customers. Social media is where it’s at now plain and simple. They must evolve.
Not just social media: how many of these companies are even visible to an ordinary consumer at REI, Academy, or even Walmart?
You understand that the person you're praising is the very same person whose gear videos are dominated by Chinese brands and who just spent hundreds of dollars on Temu to promote yet another one, right?
It necessarily true, the brands he mentioned cater to a specific niche ; back packers, mountaineers and hikers.
When I was a kid, we had a “farm team” of campers. Dads who served in WW2; kids were taught how to camp in Scouts or Camp Fire girls. Usually the family camped a time or two in summer. We quit when the sites grew more crowded than home. Today where do kids learn bushcraft? Many YT sites have a camper and a dog…too creepy to show kids online.
So…there is need to make camping safe for families, among other things. Otherwise those American companies are dinosaurs.
They’re not losing touch, they can’t compete with 3rd world companies.
I am guilty of looking beyond our American companies and buying foreign made outdoor gear. Quite recently, while shopping at REI, I bought an Eureka camp stove, a Yeti cooler and a Nemo sleeping bag. I felt I paid more than what I wanted to spend, but I respected the "made in the USA" tradition. However, I'm finding I could have spent less than half on foreign made products and still have gotten the same or even more use. The SOTO stove products are a good example and they would have been a better fit for my use as a van life camper. You are our knight in shining armor due to your "no agenda" approach and you have earned our collective trust.
This sounds like an excellent idea and hope that it is a success. Best wishes and a happy Thanksgiving
That's the way, I am not from the USA , but I always support buying local, looking forward to seeing response from the gear manufacturers
As an owner of Big Agnes, Zpacks, Snugpaks, Amok and Nortent for shelters plus Osprey, Gossamer Gear and Helikon-Tex for packs I always advocate for quality products. The garbage from China is just that garbage waiting to fail and become landfill.... My biggest gripe however is with sleep systems, the down quilt and bag products from US brands is bonkers, then the sleep pads of any use are crazy steep.... I'll always focus on quality products, but there is a limit to price.
The fact that with some of the stuff you review, and can infact enact changes with the products you review speaks volumes of your reputation within the outdoor community, perhaps you can help said companies
I've just become familiar with your channel and I follow it a lot. I spent much ory younger years in the outdoor industry managing and owning several shops over those years. You're right on track with your views. I did much backpacking and ski mountaineering so I've used a bunch of gear. I always had a hard time getting.people to spend much money on gear so the American companies were hard to sell. Eureka was a less expensive choice, I sold a lot of them but they never changed their designs at all so they're stale consequently the move away from them. The American companies always maintained high prices even though they out sourced their manufacturing to other countries. They could sell much more product product if they wanted to. Keep up the good work I enjoy your reviews thank you.
Awesome video, Luke! I've been watching for years and have complete trust in what you say and will continue to watch you.
I CONCUR!!!
This is an excellent video on why America is losing in "Made in America". I hope that you can help in this issue. I purchase items for my vehicles and outdoor life based on quality and durability. I have a Jeep and I use it to go camping in the wilderness. My gear has to withstand 70 mph winds ( being attached to my roof rack), it needs to be waterproof or at least water resistant (driving in sever weather to reach camp), and it needs to be affordable ( because I own a Jeep). I see and help my TH-cam friends with their product reviews when we go out on adventures. the very first question that everyone asks - how much did you spend on this item. That is always the bottom line. Once they see how the item performs that is when they ultimately decide on whether or not they will make the purchase.
This is why I love your channel Luke. Integrity is what it’s all about, and sadly lacking on many other channels. Keep up the good work my friend!
AGREED!
Luke I always appreciate your videos and info you provide!
I'm on a very fixed income, I can no longer purchase American made products. I've always tried my absolute best to buy American even from some cottage companies but that no longer something I can do.
America is almost a name only now, I pray things get better but not going to hold my breath..
We love the Teton products that we learned about through your channel! Teton is a small company that we wish would grow and expand. We have bought a tent, cot pad and backpacks from Teton.
Thanks for what you do Luke. God Bless ❤
Hey those companies should be very glad 😊 you are reaching out and trying to focus them...If they have the goods and are willing to stand behind what they are putting out into the market they will be more than happy 😊 to work with you!! Great 😃 job...
Check out where most Big Agnes tents fabrics are made and sewn "Kore and China". I think that is part of the problem.
You take production to China, to reduce cost, but you don´t lower prices, so a big win for AliExpress tents
Sounds to me it might be a good time to enter the outdoor market with affordable products.😊
Chinese companies already did. That's what this video is about.
The low end, mass produced low cost good enough quality is super saturated market. No way to compete as a small business you cant get the economies of scale.
Make decent outdoor products and charge a little more than the Cheap Chinese Crap, and it will sell. Americans will buy quality, if they're not being priced gouged.
@@teeing9355 I think that market is difficult. Because the china gear is not poor quality it's actually pretty good, and also the high end gear is also made there as well.
The made in America so it must be well made is no longer true, it can also be junk if made in America. Every country is also to make junk or great products, but you have to make what your market will buy, if they want to buy junk then you make junk.
All ends of the markets are saturated.
As a small company you are buying 50 rolls of fabric at a time then you are competing with companies that are buying 1000s of rolls at a time for lower price for same fabric.
Perhaps therein lays the problem. People want affordability rather than quality.
Quality keeps you in the business, affordability will send you into debt.
I think that is a great idea. I am an American that likes to buy American made but it also has to be affordable. I am like most of your viewers that would like to stay in the $200-$300 range. So it doesn’t make sense to spend much more than that on a tent that will not be used much or in extreme temperatures. Thanks for your continued honesty.
I truly hope you can help these companies get back in the running.
Luke has more pride of their products than the company themselves..
It's all about profit on the lowest labor and material cost. At least DAC poles are manufactured in Korea.
Let’s hope that your efforts can get through to these companies and make an impact. Thank You for ALL you do…
Maaaaaaaaaan that sucks, I've got a Eureka extreme-rated cold weather sleeping bag I bought years ago, it's held up very well and works great, sad to hear them going under.
You've got a great point about the Outdoor market/ industry here, something does need to change to improve and keep the US made and owned market going.
I hope you’re able to help. It’s very sad to see these companies struggling and even going out of business. I always loved Eureka. Sad to see them go 😔
AGREED!
If they are confident in their products?, then they should have no problem sending you products to test out..
Thank you for being the content creator that you are. I feel most of us would prefer American Made over anything if we could afford it. Sad to see that being outdoors is begining to cost so much money. Keep doing what you're doing Luke and thank you for your integrity.
Much love from Maryland
AGREED!
You nailed it! I wish you the best on your efforts.
Funny you mention this. I've been concerned about this happening to Marmot for years. No real reason other than I've seen them grow from a local shop focused on climbing and camping gear to what it is now in the Fashion Outdoor space. Prices seem ridiculously high. Sales seem steeply discounted and I've wondered how sustainable it is. Good luck with your discussions. It will be interesting to see what becomes of it. Thanks for your efforts.
It’s sad, I own a glove company here in the states. It’s a very niche market. But there’s only a few outdoor gear companies turning a profit. Mine is small enough where I am doing well. But who knows how long that’ll last.
Multiple range price is a good idea.
Right Arm !!! Tell it like it IS !!! TRUTH - lets take ACTION !!!
You did hit on two very good points, but I think you missed another. Part of the reason they aren't getting their names out there is because they simply aren't innovating anymore. A lot of smaller reviewers in the outdoor space want a "hook" so instead of reviewing the latest version of a Nemo or BA tent, that changes very little, they might review a Durston, Tarp Tent, or Six Moons Design tent that has some innovations (like SilPoly materials) to it, and weirdly for cottage vendors often have better price points.
The lack of innovation also has another bit, and it dovetails with the Price Point issue you raised. If you aren't going to innovate why should someone bother spending the extra money when a comparable product, at a better price point, exists.
Lastly most "American" companies went to having their tents made in Asia years ago, often Vietnam. So does it make logical sense to spend up to 3xs the price for an "Designed in America" tent that might be coming out of the exact same factory in Vietnam as one that doesn't bare that lable?
Excellent point.
Eureka has been a zombie company for quite some time
sadly, 99% of companies based in USA, have products, made overseas, shipped to USA, then sold as USA based product, however you want to look at it, nothing is USA made, seed to shelf any longer, also ( QC quality control) isn't there either. I have seen tents and tarps,leak so bad it is actually dangerous. and same goes for sleep systems. the ratings at which they are rated for( comfort, and survivability ) arre all over the spectrum. 1 wrong purchase and you can literally die. I have been watching ToGR for yrs. I trust Luke and Suzy reviews over the thousands on youtube. I have been in the outdoor space for 40+ years and like Luke said most USA companies have priced themselves out of the market and basically sell to the select few that can afford their gear. REI comes to mind as well. their prices are so sky high, I will never be able to afford it. I looked for comparable gear on par witb big companies in USA outside of the states finding better gear at lower prices so why pay the stupid high prices for basically same gear made overseas. Don't get it wrong I rather support USA made, USA supplied mom and pop companies, but, the innovation, and price point just isn't there, like it is overseas. granted some stuff overseas is utter garbage but if you sift long enough you know what companies are making the best gear for the bang of the buck. its just simple math, sad as it may be, the QC and price point is just there.
Even if the tent is made in the USA, are Americans citizens even working in the factory? We’re living in a country where we are called racist if we draw any distinction between someone who was born and raised here and another person who just snuck across the border. What does “made in America” mean anymore and why should we care?
@@Maryland_Kulak please take your nativist nonsense to someone else's post here please.
This is why I watch your channel. Honesty!!! Stay true to your base Luke!!!
Luke, I'm so glad you made this video. I wasn't aware of the problem with made-in-the-USA outdoor products. I sincerely hope that each and every US mfgr responds to you and works with you to get their name out and to step up their marketing game! It reminds me of AT&T manufacturing a better PC than IBM. Remember that home computer? Yeah, no one else does either. They thought erroneously that their name was all it took to get customers to buy their product. They (and America) learned a hard lesson. People need to know about the benefits of a product as well as knowing about the company/product. Marketing, marketing, and if they can't remember that it's marketing! Customers need to know about a product, details of its benefits, and why it's a better mousetrap. Again, I hope you get a 100% positive response response from those American manufacturers of outdoor gear!
Please note that he said American based companies. All of the "American" tents he talked about are made in China and overseas.
I understand your concern, it is sad to see an increasing amount of our manufacturing move overseas.
I am a “low use” tent camper, using my equipment 10 days per year, only in Florida. I purchased an REI Kingdom 4 tent/garage 8 years ago and have been completely satisfied with it. I knew I would only be using this in a relatively warm climate with a high probability of thunderstorms, which went into my decision making process. Another deciding factor was the ability to stand up when inside the tent. Single handed ease of set up is nice but let’s face it, there’s not a tent out there that requires an engineering degree to set up. From what I have learned when helping people set up their tents is that knowing the proper sequence is probably the most important consideration.
I’ve been through many rainy days and numerous thunderstorms and to this day, the tent has always remained completely dry, no leaks at all. Seam stitching is also quite good, even after pulling the tie-downs too tight the first few times (tight is good, “drum tight” not so good). I suspect I could have purchased a less expensive tent of similar dimensions but I don’t know if it could be approaching 100 days of use and still be as good as new.
That being said, I must say, after being in one of the REI stores a number of years ago, a lot of items seemed to be far overpriced at least for my expected use. To be fair though, I’d have to compare them to a similar, less expensive item in order to determine a proper price/value amount.
Having a couple eureka assaults I can say that the quality dropped significantly from our original that went 10 years. Whereas we’ve developed issues with the newer one in just one year of use. The new one is a full 5 lbs lighter than the old one. Sadly I think Eureka tried to keep the same price point from 10 years ago, when I would of paid significantly more for another 10 year tent and lament the good old days when things were cheaper. Good gear is not cheap sadly. I think a great majority of tents are now sold to be thrown away after one or two uses, because most tents sold will only be used once or twice. I have been shopping for sometime now looking for a quality 4 season tent. Which now feels like I’m looking for a unicorn. Replacing the Eureka is proving difficult. Even considering buying another Eureka as they sent us an offer since they are closing down, same price as msrp! And honestly I think I’m going to buy it!
Thanks, as always Luke, for your straight up and honest take on things. I am from Australia, and have enjoyed your content over the years and listened to your suggestions when buying outdoor gear, even to the point of supporting the US Companies and importing goods from America. But recently, seeing the same thing happening in my own country, I had decided the same thing, to purchase my gear from local Australian companies, supporting them over supporting overseas companies. I currently am purchasing equipment from a small company here in Queensland Australia called Alton, which have been improving their product lines now over the past 3 years. Pretty much anything I was buying in from overseas now is coming to me from a local brand and local company. We all need to start to support our local producers, support local jobs, and support the pastime we all love, our great outdoors. Good luck with your proposed approaches to your local companies.
I bought a Naturehike Mongar 2 after following your reviews and well informed insights. At the time I was considering price and quality as I have never camped before. Everything else I looked at was substantially more costly for what I wanted in a tent. I figured get something lower cost in case I did not like the experience. All of the other equipment I purchased has been from USA made cottage industries. I have found these well worth their value. When I decide to get a new tent it will be USA made. I'll be watching as you do more testing with these products. Thank you.
The same happens in the gaming space. I mostly cover flight simulations and related stuff. Chinese companies are approaching me with gear to review while there's silence from most other manufacturers. What's also noteworthy is the community support they give. They reply within hours instead of days or weeks, give competent input and are mostly open for suggestions and improvements. They really know how to play the social media game whilst US and European companies seem to struggle.
Love your reviews by the way! Thanks for your efforts! Making quality reviews is a lot of work.
Same thing is happening within the mining sector. Cat is no longer a good buy.
I have two Alps Mountaineering 3 season heavy duty outfitter tents. Both are 3 person; and were priced at 225 and 275 at the time of purchase on Amazon. Yeah they arent backpacking tents; but they are good quality tents that I'm sure will last for many more years.
Same. My Taurus 6 outfitter is amazing.
@@aaronhiggs had to double check the name of the one; but I have the Extreme and Taurus 3 person tents. Its a bear to set up alone; but I do love the Extreme. It was my first tent, and in 2016 I took it cross country on a road trip Pa to the Oregon coast and then swinging through the south west for the return trip. It withstood storms on the plains. So many great memories. The Taurus was purchased because I needed something a little easier to set up for the Acadia trip a few years ago. Once again - absolutely loved it.
How often do you camp? I imagine for most people, anything will last for many years because they probably don’t go camping more than once per year.
@@Maryland_Kulak two times usually. A longer trip in the summer for around two weeks and a shorter 1 week trip in the spring. Workplace gives a large amount of vacation days, and we must take two consecutive weeks off to "help reduce stress". That cross country road trip I did with the extreme outfitter tent was during my last year of college and was for two months.
Eureka thank you for all you have done
i think you could do a lot of good if they are willing to cooperate. dont ever loose your integrity Luke you are awesome if more ppl were like you the world would be a better place. honor is sorely missed in modern society
AGREED!
Good luck brother and if there is anything we can do let us know. Your subscribers are with you and are Patriots. We don't want to see the US be come obsolete. If you need it we will come.
In the UK, North Face has become more of a fashion brand. Also seems to have some negative connotations around the teenage boys that have adopted the brand.
And became insanely expensive - I used to swear by the Hedgehogs, but they doubled in price and apparently became less good in newer versions (I call that the Rebook/Adidas effect, get a good product, then scale it down til it's trash). I still horde one of the good pairs for the future.
Thank you for doing something about this issue.
I think part of the issue is cottage industry companies are also growing. Look at Zpacks , durston, and other vendors. I think that is part of the reason too
Often times they have the best stuff, and they can be pretty engaged with their customers. Their problem is that they rarely get wider exposure to anyone who isn't proactive enough to dig and discover them. Many smaller gear companies would blow the big names out of the water if they could just reach more people and scale their production up (but as is so often the case in capitalism, they'd likely compromise their product and lose what made them special along the way).
Durston has been night and day better than Big Agnes as a company. You can tell who ever runs Durston is all about customer service, and they make a great product.
@@xmateinc I have a couple of buddies who run a livestream/podcast who interviewed Dan Durston and he seems like a stand up guy
I don’t comment often. “Listen and learn” I must say, I like this plan of yours. I agree with what you are thinking. Lastly, I enjoy your content and very much appreciate your integrity. Always have. Stay safe.
I took a look back through your videos... The last time you talked about a Big Agnes tent was 2 months ago. The last time you talked about a Nemo product was a year ago. Maybe you've got them in some trip videos... But there sure is a lot of Naturehike, One Tigris, and other "cheap China" brands in your recent videos. Don't see much of what you're talking about in your videos the last year. You sure throw a lot of shade onto other channels in the outdoor space.
Great topic to bring up and address. Thank you for the fantastic content!
There are a number of small USA companies that put out quality products. I have been purchasing them from Garage Grown Gear. The prices have been very reasonable and the quality is top notch. I think they would be a great source for you and us that watch your channel. I think you do a great job Luke and this is a great opportunity for you to make an impact on the industry.
That’s why I like your reviews, you don’t hold any punches
You have done a great job reviewing for us and I am now buying the black tent ( OneTigris Stella). So we thank you for the hard work . As you said honesty is what people are looking for and high inflation these days are driving people to look for value. Brands such as Big Agnes, Nemo and MSR are familiar names to us and they are now synonomous with the image of “ Expensive”. If these products are really made of superior quality or as we here are interested with preserving American jobs, then many of us are willing to support them. The questions is are they of 2-3x higher quality as their price suggest? Furthermore, are they really made in America? A quick check on the Internet reveal all these brands are actually made outside the US. So we have to ask: Why and what justify such higher prices? If so, are they really making razor thin profit?
I appreciate your content as it's introduced me to quality products I would've never found otherwise, cheers and good luck. I hope you're able to make an impact.
I wanted an Eureka Timberline tent for several years. But the price was so high, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase one. I don't know what the answer is, or even if this is an answer. I remember we used to make electronics in this country.
Good ideas! I support the world, but we need to support our local communities, too! 👍
Most of my tents and gear are either directly Chinese branded or made in China. I'd buy more UK made stuff if it was actually made here and wasn't a complete piddle take price wise. Unfortunately it's at a point of quantity over quality and getting the balance right. Seeing you do comparisons between US (maybe UK) vs the cheaper variants for comparison would be great.
Same here mate but we are a "Service" industry driven economy in the UK now and don't make anything anymore. Disgrace really because its down to the idiots in Parliament and business owners wanting more profit at the cost of decent jobs in the UK making our own gear.
@@OfWodensFolk You forgot logistics in there, I'm sure we do nothing but ship things around the country. Couldn't agree more that this country is going down the toilet, govt is only there to line the pockets of businesses and themselves.
@@davidcann6021 I did indeed, apologies. We are getting closer and closer to what Fawkes planned centuries back regardless if Charles III is sat on his little chair or not. When a complete wanker of a "member of parliament" admits that they are flooding our island with immigrants to keep the wages down....we've got two choices.
Thank you for making this video. I am heart sick to hear Eureka is going out of business. I am in my 70's. I began backpacking with Eureka tents. Their tents were affordable and kept me safe and dry for decades. Something is very wrong with our financial system when a company like Eureka fails. This is very bad and worrisome. Eureka made the TCOP tent for the military. My favorite Eureka tent is a double walled tent almost exactly like the TCOP only made with more light weight materials. I 'm very glad you are trying to do something about this troubling trend. I appreciate your channel a lot.