3 ms·
I think things like this are very boring. Functional, frugal, practical, efficient but boring. Which is a good thing. But people like to romantecise over the mo
by polishdude20 5y ago
I think things like this are very boring. Functional, frugal, practical, efficient but boring. Which is a good thing. But people like to romantecise over the most mundane things that it soon becomes a fad or a statement and a community. Soon, the sellers swoop in and turn it into a brand and a lifestyle to get you to buy the expensive stuff.
- uoaei 5y agoSeeing this right now also in the "bikepacking"/"gravel" community. Sure, custom bike bags and nice performance wear are comfort-increasing costs, but very quickly things skyrocket away from functional/utilitarian toward things like brand fealty, collective hype, etc. If you drill down, you will usually not be able to justify an expensive part vs a cheaper alternative (esp. used!), except for things like electronic derailleurs, etc.
- Thlom 5y agoIn the hiking community travelling light has become an obsession for some people. Some going as far as cutting their tooth brush in half just to shave of a few grams. I get spending a fortune on a lightweight tent and gas burner which can save you several kilograms in your backpack, but when you go down to shaving off 10g and less I think it has moved away from the practical over to a hobby in and of itself. Nothing wrong with that of course, just saying.
- Karrot_Kream 5y agoIt's the same culture these days in bikepacking and one bagging really.
- moneywoes 5y agoArc’teryx is my weakness
- themadturk 5y agoA late friend of the family was a Presbyterian pastor and an avid hiker. He'd do things like cut the covers off his palm-sized Bible to save a few grams.
- et-al 5y agoRemember when it was just called bike touring or bike camping?