Yesterday, I discovered that Mountain Hardwear (small) had been bought out by Columbia Sportswear (big) several years ago.
I’d like to know whether Trail Forum affecionados prefer large or small companies for gear purchases (of all kinds); and why.
Thanks.
Conan.
Conan
I have had good luck with small companies getting problems corrected when they are found. I have a Moonbow Gear Gearskin and a few days ago I was talking to the owner about things I wish he had included on the gearskin. He told me to drop it off and he would add it. I don’t think I could get Columbia to do that.
Big B
To me, the quality of the item matters more then the size of the company making it. There does seem to be a weak but positive correllation between more personalized customer service and quality with smaller companies, but that is because they are more effected by a bad report of products in the smaller markets they cover, vs. a larger corporation with a larger market share, product distribution and lines, etc.
Examples of both sides of the coin are plentiful, I have had excellent dealings with small companies (Shire’s Tarptents, ULA) and large (MSR and MH) and bad experiences with others (North Face, and some climbing company whose name skips my mind, so called quality clothes that were terribly sewn and poor customer service).
As for MH, I have always found their products to be exceptionally well made (albeit pricey), now and then. I still own my Columbia jacket circa 1992, worn for skiing/snowboarding/snowmobiling/etc (any many accidents/falls/spills), still warm, never had to repair a stitch.
Companies I am wary of: TNF, ACG, Kelty, Jansport, Coleman, Walmart, Fruit of the Loom, to name a few. Low quality stitching and/or fabrics, or other problems. I am sure not everybody agrees to this list, these are my own personal experiences.
-xtn
airferret
To me, the quality of the item matters more then the size of the company making it. There does seem to be a weak but positive correllation between more personalized customer service and quality with smaller companies, but that is because they are more effected by a bad report of products in the smaller markets they cover, vs. a larger corporation with a larger market share, product distribution and lines, etc.
Examples of both sides of the coin are plentiful, I have had excellent dealings with small companies (Shire’s Tarptents, ULA) and large (MSR and MH) and bad experiences with others (North Face, and some climbing company whose name skips my mind, so called quality clothes that were terribly sewn and poor customer service).
As for MH, I have always found their products to be exceptionally well made (albeit pricey), now and then. I still own my Columbia jacket circa 1992, worn for skiing/snowboarding/snowmobiling/etc (any many accidents/falls/spills), still warm, never had to repair a stitch.
Companies I am wary of: TNF, ACG, Kelty, Jansport, Coleman, Walmart, Fruit of the Loom, to name a few. Low quality stitching and/or fabrics, or other problems. I am sure not everybody agrees to this list, these are my own personal experiences.
-xtn
airferret
Although I own some gear from North Face and Patagonia,I try to buy from small companies.I own lots of gear from Dancing light Gear[sadly,they are going out of business because of other commitments]
Companies I like:“Only the Lightest”,ULA for Packs,“Mary Janes Farm” for food,"Brasslight"for stoves,Henry Shires for tents.
Companies I don’t do business with:“WALMART”[anti-union,foreign worker exploitation]Coleman[as above]Coors Beer[anti-union]:cheers
Old&in the Way
I confess, I prefer smaller companies.
The transitoriness of the small companies is lamentable, bothersome. It seems to me that many companies are started by young people in love with something; then time passes and they move on; and we lose the small company, which either disappears or becomes something else.
Well–I guess I’ll just have to let that go and consider it part of the grand scheme of things.
I like Marmot, Gregory and Dunham/New Balance as larger companies that have been around for awhile.
I like Western Mountaireering, Feathered Friends, Nanatuk, and some others as smaller companies.
And of course, I like hikers.
I like people people who do things.
Conan
Conan
I have really enjoyed doing business with some of the small lightweight manufacturers - ULA-Equipment, Henry Shires, Six Moons Designs, and Feathered Friends. However, I also love Patagonia, when I can afford it. Marmot I absolutely hate. We got terrible sleeping bags from them (you shouldn’t be able to see light through a 20 degree bag - but we can) and rain jackets that soak up rain like a sponge. I will never buy from them again.
Ginny
Coors Beer is anti-union? Did not know that. Even though I like beer with taste,I will become a Coors drinker! Thanks for info!!!
Eric G.
Classic example of what could happen when a buyout occurs: I have a Dana Terraplane purchased from the real Dana company in 1991. Compare it to the current post-buyout “Danas” now really manufactured by some unknown folks in some unknown location. No comparison in quality. My 1991 Dana has seen some really rough use every year since purchase. It looks like it’s going to last forever. Maybe become an archeological discovery in the twenty fifth century.
booger
The North Face is owned by Vanity Fair now. Their products suck for the most part. I’ve ripped zipper pulls off merchandise at the store I work at, just trying to close things. Though my Denali jacket is still kicking 7 yrs later.
A-Train