[pct-l] PUR filters

["sdt@@netcom.com" <sdt@netcom.com>]

Strider says:

> the outdoor equipment manufacturers formulate their guarantees based
>upon marketing strategies, not expected performance and longevity and
>certainly not the kind of long term and consistent abuse that a long 
>distance
>hiker is likely to subject the equipment to.  They take a risk that no one
>will really, or often enough to impact their profits, subject their 
>equipment to the environment that might challenge the guarantee.


I view the PUR guarantee as one of the product's *features*. If they use 
it as a marketing gimmick, then that's a mistake on their part, not mine.


>But, come now, aren't we really taking advantage of their boasting?  Do you
>really expect these things (filters, boots, packs, tents, etc.) to last 
>under the kinds of abuse that a long distance hike puts on them?


Are they boasting, or are they *guaranteeing* their product?

And, yes, I do expect performance out of my gear. Sometimes quality comes 
with a price: i.e. do I plan to switch out the cheapo K-Mart tent two or 
three times during my hike, or do I pay $800 for a Stephenson? (actually, 
I do neither)

And I prefer to call my the use of my equipment "use", not "abuse."  
Thru-hikers just tend to compress a lifetime's use into a season or 
three. I don't look upon it as planned obsolescence, just manufacturers 
building to the larger audience.


-- 
Scott D. Thompson	|   	
sdt@netcom.com		|	


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