Shopping problem

flammee

Barefooters
Mar 11, 2012
268
296
63
45
Finland, Oulu
I used to buy lots of running gear, but now when I see some interesting new running related product, I get interested like before, but then after a while it just feels like I don't need it, things I already have are good enough, or even better.

I have my own preferences that differ a bit from where mainstream evolution of products is going - like with headlamps, they keep adding brighter and wider beams, while I like running in small circle of light.

My core equipment...
GPS: Garmin FR15
Headlamp: zebralight h51
Racevest: nathan firecatcher
Belt: ultraspire quantum
Shoes: sockwa x8 and g-hi, add socks if cold.
Some old running clothes, add layers if cold.


Anyone else run into this problem...?
 
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I don't think I've spent anything on a running specific gear item in a couple years. Well I guess the last thing was some winter running pants that had a more water/wind resistant shell since I didn't really have anything for the really cold and windy days, or wet snowy days, got those a year ago. Might have to start replacing some worn out clothes soon though... I'm just now starting to wear holes in my first pair of tights and a couple pairs of compression unders from my first round of running clothes back in like '11.

Also have a zebralight h51w though I often run with my h600 mkII so the cars in this rural setting can see me 1/2 mile away or more... they aren't used to seeing runners out on these country roads after dark around here! And its 55 mph... but the h51w certainly is good enough to see by. The last trip I went to the mountains (in my avatar) all I had with me for light was my H51. I probably won't need any more lights for a long time.

I try to make good choices when I get things (talking about anything here, from vehicles to tractors, chainsaws, smartphones, cameras, whatever) and use them fully. I don't need the latest greatest usually and have no desire to keep up with the Jones as they say. Most things I keep until they wear out and break, and then if they are fixable I try to repair and use even more.

Well one confession for the holidays... canon is running a sale on their refurbished products and I just got a second dSLR for myself, the Canon SL1. In some ways this is a downgrade from my more mid-level 60D, but for lugging around on multi-day backpacking trips climbing mountains, the 60D was bulky and heavy. I'm hoping the lighter weight and smaller sized camera (but still same MP and quality hopefully) will be a lot nicer during those tough hikes! With the lighter lens I bought a year ago, I think I've about halved my camera weight and reduced bulk considerably. Hiking gear is something else I notice a lot of people hoard from hiking forums. Stoves for example, there are some who have like half a dozen different stoves or more. When I got back into hiking like 5 years ago, I did invest a good chunk of change but got stuff I thought would last me a long time. And almost everything I got from small family businesses, not name brand stuff made in china and sold in outdoor stores. I was amazed how much better some of the cottage industry stuff was like my Henry Shires Tarptent compared to a Kelty or Mountain Hardware tent!
 
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Yeah, it's not really a problem, I'm not proud to be such consumer... :( But honestly, there's that thing with getting new stuff, kinda like christmas. ;) And there's something to follow... I guess the running scene is so material centered that it's too easy to get excited about new stuff. In running media and blogs, there's a lot of reviews and of course ads. There just is a lot of running related stuff, always something you don't have or stuff that has a bit different features.
 
There just is a lot of running related stuff, always something you don't have or stuff that has a bit different features.

Not just running gear, but really in everything! In these days, big companies try to get you every way they can. So much is spent on marketing and advertising its unreal. They sell products for everything imaginable including completely unnecessary or useless stuff but with some clever marketing they really can sell just about anything.

Running is a great example though, as you really don't need anything other than a good pair of shorts to go out and run! Yet there are thousands of products out there. Cycling too... you'd think in today's time you couldn't even complete a 10 mile bike ride unless you had the latest carbon fiber bike with dura-ace shifters, a team jersey with all sorts of company logos plastered on it, cycling specific sunglasses and special sports drink. Sorry modern advertising, I have several 80's lightweight steel Schwinns that will perform just a good as todays $1,000+ bikes, and in many cases much more fun and nicer feeling to ride. :)
 
I blew the bottom out of my running tights twice and twice i've stitched them up, along with various other rips and tears.
My merrils i've had for years, the tread wore out a long time ago, but for heading off road they are fine, if not a bit smelly.
I kind of like being a bit of a rat runner, i think there is more mud than cloth on my gear :)
I think a lot boils down to you're personality and how you like to present yourself. Nothing wrong with being comfortable in your world, we're all different.
 
I blew the bottom out of my running tights twice and twice i've stitched them up, along with various other rips and tears.
My merrils i've had for years, the tread wore out a long time ago, but for heading off road they are fine, if not a bit smelly.
I kind of like being a bit of a rat runner, i think there is more mud than cloth on my gear :)
I think a lot boils down to you're personality and how you like to present yourself. Nothing wrong with being comfortable in your world, we're all different.


Well, I guess it will some day be fashion thing, and then they start selling running gear that already looks very worn out.. :D
 
I blew the bottom out of my running tights twice and twice i've stitched them up, along with various other rips and tears.
It's been so long since I've sewn I completely forgot about that option. Back in my college days I did some cosplay and I made everything myself. I have a sewing machine that I don't believe I've ever actually used, though I think it was all jammed up the last time someone used it. Might have to dig it out of the basement and try to get it up and running. The tights just have a seam that came apart so should be repairable.


Same here!! I still have the same stuff from college! (6 years ago)

I actually just unboxed some clothes from my high school and college days! And for me that is 15-20 years ago... but a lot of it wasn't really worn much between then and now. Once I was out of college I gained a lot of weight in my 20's. It is very nice to actually fit back into those clothes now. I have some clothes though that I have worn the whole time, like a leather jacket my grampa gave me back in mid 90's and I wear it most of the winter every winter (though its starting to get a bit rough!).
 
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