All the considerations required

**2Questions** · 10-08-2009, 18:51

I was driving down the road today on the way to a job...definitely bored with the drive...and my mind began thinking of all the considerations I do when evaluating a new piece of gear, a new idea, a new food, or something I already have.

Here's a list that came to my mind:

Weight
Volume/bulk
Comfort
Price
Durability/Longevity
Multi Usage ability
Looks/Image/Feel
Warmth
Material
Breathability
Wicking ability
Dryability
Ease of use, setup/teardown
Packability/compression
Taste/flavor
Nutritional value/calories/fat/carbos

As you can see, the list is not exhaustive yet presents a fair example of considerations...and yet I often focus on just weight and bulk? But when I look at the list, everything becomes a tradeoff for something else.

Here's the question. Which of these considerations (or ones not mentioned, feel free to add) do you tend to focus on? Which seem most important to you? The least important? Why? Just curious....

**KerMegan** · 10-08-2009, 19:20

Value! ie will it last long enough to lower the $per use to an acceptable level; or it is a consumable?
Just thinking out loud...
KM

**Crawldaddy** · 10-08-2009, 19:35

Vulnerability! Can it be padalocked to two trees to keep the hungry hammock hounds from stealing my $400 setup...

**BillyBob58** · 10-08-2009, 19:37

Maybe just another way of saying "Dryability" from your list above, but: Warmth ( if any) when wet. And of course, how quick can you get back to normal function- or close to it- if everything goes wrong and a real soaking occurs. Like if a tree limb falls and punctures your tarp. Or, as happened to a friend of mine, the tarp just plain developed a major leak along the RL seam during a prolonged deluge.

Despite my ( and others) good results with down and good DWR in really wet conditions, I still can't help but think about this when I am going somewhere where a quick bail out is simply not in the picture.

**MacEntyre** · 10-08-2009, 19:53

Tacti-cool-ness

JK

**Darrel** · 10-08-2009, 20:51

How about the emotional response one feels while using a product.
Does it help instill peace of mind, confidence, pride, accomplishment, serenity or a greater personal connection to the environment beyond ourselves.

Darrel

**Crawldaddy** · 10-08-2009, 21:40

for you Darwinian types.... Does it make you feel like a bird again?

**Cannibal** · 10-08-2009, 22:29

Weight and comfort; everything else is just window dressing to me. Of course, if I don't have the extra money, cost moves up the priority lost.

**TinaLouise** · 10-09-2009, 06:50

when I was evaluating the AARN backpack, my main concern was to get a pack that I could carry the stuff I was presently carrying but carry it without all the pain I was currenty having. Price was in the equation but quite low on the list. Comfort was high.
When switching from tent to hammock, again comfort was high, price low.
I just bought a wool baselayer long sleeve shirt, again comfort high, price low.
I will pay more for an item if my comfort level is increased.
If there are choices in that item, I'll look at all and make a decision on which one, and in that case, may choose the cheaper priced, if it fits my needs better.
If I can't afford it, I'll just save up till I can buy it.
At the very bottom of my list would be "looks". I flat out don't care about looks, if it increases my comfort, you can laugh at me all you like!!!

**KerMegan** · 10-09-2009, 07:02

Originally Posted by TinaLouise

At the very bottom of my list would be "looks". I flat out don't care about looks, if it increases my comfort, you can laugh at me all you like!!!

Status would be at the bottom of my list- buying something just because of the name- unless! the product is demonstrateable superior. It is why I don't buy anything labled "Oakley" unless it is 90% off (Steep and cheep is my friend..)
just my $.02, KM