I’ve noticed more luxury brands offering outdoor gear and I’m not sure what to make of it. It’s interesting to see fashion brands entering the outdoor space, but I question the practicality for real outdoor activities. Has anyone here tried luxury outdoor gear? Does it hold up against more established outdoor brands, or is it more about the brand?
It seems you’re mostly paying for the brand name rather than the gear’s actual performance. Most outdoor enthusiasts aren’t looking for luxury labels.
Reese said:
It seems you’re mostly paying for the brand name rather than the gear’s actual performance. Most outdoor enthusiasts aren’t looking for luxury labels.
Right, the value should come from quality and durability, not just the brand name.
Reese said:
It seems you’re mostly paying for the brand name rather than the gear’s actual performance. Most outdoor enthusiasts aren’t looking for luxury labels.
That’s exactly my concern. It seems more about status than functionality.
@Zen
It’s fine for those who enjoy both hiking and luxury fashion. For me, if I’m not interested, I just ignore it and move on.
Jess said:
@Zen
It’s fine for those who enjoy both hiking and luxury fashion. For me, if I’m not interested, I just ignore it and move on.
Absolutely, there’s a market for everyone.
I avoid them. For instance, The North Face has shifted towards style over substance in many of their products.
Voss said:
I avoid them. For instance, The North Face has shifted towards style over substance in many of their products.
Their premium lines like the Summit Series are decent, but generally, they lack the technical features of brands specifically focused on outdoor gear.
Voss said:
I avoid them. For instance, The North Face has shifted towards style over substance in many of their products.
I’m learning a lot about TNF here.
Voss said:
I avoid them. For instance, The North Face has shifted towards style over substance in many of their products.
That’s the trend for all VF Corporation brands, they’re targeting lifestyle consumers now.
@Hale
Can you share more about this?
@Hale
Sure, except for a few like Smartwool and Icebreaker, which have managed to retain some of their technical heritage.
For me, functionality is key. I don’t care about brands, just need gear that works.
Gray said:
For me, functionality is key. I don’t care about brands, just need gear that works.
That’s my approach as well. Function over form every time.
Gray said:
For me, functionality is key. I don’t care about brands, just need gear that works.
What if a luxury brand offers both style and function?
Gray said:
For me, functionality is key. I don’t care about brands, just need gear that works.
What if a luxury brand offers both style and function?
I’m just speaking for myself here. Others might feel differently.
@Gray
Understood, thanks.
Absolutely not. Good outdoor gear like MSR or Hilleberg is pricey due to its high quality, not just because of the brand.
Rafe said:
Absolutely not. Good outdoor gear like MSR or Hilleberg is pricey due to its high quality, not just because of the brand.
Spending more for a logo doesn’t make sense to me.
Rafe said:
Absolutely not. Good outdoor gear like MSR or Hilleberg is pricey due to its high quality, not just because of the brand.
Agreed, it’s all about quality for me.