Is expensive equipment neccessary?

**chiangmaimav** · 06-16-2009, 07:00 PM

All of my equipment is very cheap. This is not because I am cheap or poor it is just that in Thailand it is harder to come by high quality stuff like custom knives and axes or Timberland boots and other name brand stuff. You can get it but you either have to have it shipped here ,which is very expensive, or buy it from tourist shopping malls which are a ripoff. I make out very well with this cheap stuff. I have a parang which I bought for about 3 dollars in US money, a pack which cost about eight dollars and fishing rod made from a stick. These items have lasted through many days and nights in deep jungle and mountains. I do have an old pair of Timberland pro boots and Hi-tek hiking boots but often I just wear cheap athletic shoes in jungle, since I know when these boots wear out it will be hard to replace them. (I do understand that in very cold weather it is important to have high quality equipment, and when I lived in upstate New York I paid more for gear than here in the tropics.)
I am not suggesting people buy low quality gear. If I had access to it I would like to have custom bowies and gore-tex. I am just wondering if maybe people sometimes are spending more money than they need to, especially considering the economic problems.

**crashdive123** · 06-16-2009, 07:09 PM

The only requirement that should be placed on equipment is equipment that works. Some don't mind, or feel they need to buy the latest and greatest and that's OK - it's their money. There is absolutely nothing wrong with spending less as long as the equipment fits your needs.

**Pal334** · 06-16-2009, 07:25 PM

I think you are being more "pure"with your equipment. By that I mean you are using what is available and works. And getting your gear from the local economy probably helps you avoid some silly mistakes. Of course bells and whistles are fun, but are not really needed.

**oldsoldier** · 06-16-2009, 07:40 PM

I have to agree with crash and pal several peices of my gear tent sleeping bags air matress etc. came from wal-mart. I think that the most important things to remember.
1. Get what you are comfortable with
2. don't buy complicated stuff you can't/ won't learn to use
3. It don't gotta be pretty it's just gotta work
while the fancy stuff is okay for some people Names never did impress me none.

**Rick** · 06-16-2009, 08:07 PM

There are a couple of things I won't scrimp on. Boots is one. My first aid kit is another. Beyond that, I'm with all of you. In fact, If I can make something and add it to my collection I'm all the happier. Finding something on eBay or Craig's List or Goodwill at a great price is just like Christmas to me.

**Ole WV Coot** · 06-16-2009, 09:16 PM

Agree with Rick on boots. I can do without a lot of things but boots aren't one of them. I guess it's an old habit from when I was given money by a company under the impression that I worked. Steel toe, steel support, 1" heel and 8"high for ankle support. Gotta have them. Complete first aid kit, was inspected monthly so another habit started, have them everywhere, and in spite of the latest info I still carry airways.

**Sarge47** · 06-16-2009, 10:19 PM

I've made out like a bandit at yard sales! 1 brand-new Qt. size wide-mouthed Nalgene bottle, 1 MSR cook kit, 1 Coleman mountaineer single burner cook-stove still in the original box with fuel hose & propane cartridge, & 1 Boy Scout brand utensil set, like new. Altogether less than $10! You "make do" with what works for you! I'd never lay out over $100 for a knife when I can buy the Buck Special at Wal-Mart for $40. High-prices are not important, wise buying choices are!

**crashdive123** · 06-16-2009, 10:22 PM

I've made out like a bandit at yard sales! 1 brand-new Qt. size wide-mouthed Nalgene bottle, 1 MSR cook kit, 1 Coleman mountaineer single burner cookstove still in the original box with fuel hose & propane cartridge, & 1 Boy Scout brand utensil set, like new. Altogether less than $10!

Now that's a nice score!

**Ken** · 06-16-2009, 10:53 PM

Whenever my boys want to purchase bigger and better, I never discourage them. I love getting "hand-me-ups."

**Sam** · 06-17-2009, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by chiangmaimav

All of my equipment is very cheap. This is not because I am cheap or poor it is just that in Thailand it is harder to come by high quality stuff like custom knives and axes or Timberland boots and other name brand stuff. You can get it but you either have to have it shipped here ,which is very expensive, or buy it from tourist shopping malls which are a ripoff. I make out very well with this cheap stuff. I have a parang which I bought for about 3 dollars in US money, a pack which cost about eight dollars and fishing rod made from a stick. These items have lasted through many days and nights in deep jungle and mountains. I do have an old pair of Timberland pro boots and Hi-tek hiking boots but often I just wear cheap athletic shoes in jungle, since I know when these boots wear out it will be hard to replace them. (I do understand that in very cold weather it is important to have high quality equipment, and when I lived in upstate New York I paid more for gear than here in the tropics.)
I am not suggesting people buy low quality gear. If I had access to it I would like to have custom bowies and gore-tex. I am just wondering if maybe people sometimes are spending more money than they need to, especially considering the economic problems.

I would think in your situation having 'simple gear would make you less of a target. Fancier gear would signal ' I have MONEY!' and possibly get you hurt or killed. And a pair of tennis shoes tore up on the trail would not be such a 'hit' in the wallet. The weather there eats clothes as it is.
-Sam

**Schleprok** · 06-17-2009, 10:30 AM

Nothing wrong with low cost equipment. Most of mine was bought on a tight budget, which just got tighter. Once bought a used boyscout backpack with frame for a buck at a yard sale. It's been going strong for over 20 years now. Lot of surplus military equipment in use also. Old web belts and ammo carriers, as well as my Alice pack. Most of my knives cost under $20. When I was 12 bought a copy of the Aircrew survival knife with sheath. It's good carbon steel, been in use a long time, still going strong. Paid $5 for it. Coming up on 40 years I've had that rascal.
Biggest suggestion I can give you is to test your gear. Carry spares of new items in case they fail. Whatever don't work, replace it.

**chiangmaimav** · 06-17-2009, 04:12 PM

yes Sam this is true. It always pays not to show wealth here, not so much for safety reasons as much as because local people, who are mainly poor, do not appreciate people, whether foreign or Thai, who flaunt their wealth. Also the weather does eat up clothes quickly, even expensive boots and pants.