Re: Anybody use Ebay for equipment?

Thanks all again.

Quick comments:

I use the same 50% policy. And only then when shipping is reasonable. I research everything before I decide to buy anything. So much so that the electronic pages get lop-earred.

Good to hear about quality/seconds issue. I think I mentioned that the tire statements were from a full-price manufacturer's salesman, and could have just been a leader to get me to shop there. It's also great because there aren't many hiking shops nearby, and Dicks is one of the few that is. If I'm patient, they usually get around to putting what I want on sale. Just a matter of having the money at the right time. It was just used as an analogy for explanation purpose, albeit a real experience. Didn't mean to go OT.

The Kelty issue is still confusing to me. I think I read where they were bought out a while back(?). Their lower-end packs seem to show up more than their better packs, and I was just wondering if this was an indicator of the quality of their better packs. Some of the higher recommended makers don't ever make the low end packs.

One of the things that I think alot about is:
There must be gazillions of hikers out there. It is a really popular sport based on the indicators I am getting. It's funny that I never meet any around here, though. It would be great to team up with some to get the experience with different equipment, and find out what really works and what I like. But since I don't run into any of these folk, I have decided to read, go slow, and learn myself.

And that worries me a little bit. This equipment thing can really get crazy. Originally, as an example, I was set on finding a Dragonfly stove, but after reviewing, and reading probably too much, I am now also considering a Coleman Xtreme. Everybody makes their equipment sound golden. And most reviews are tainted with "I really don't want to admit I bought it and don't like it". I consider the negative reviews worth so much more than the positives for this reason.

Be patient with my stupid, silly questions, and keep guiding me as you all seem to do. Maybe I'll meet one of you on a trail one day to thank you personally.

Steve