[pct-l] Nuplse North Face Jacket

[bluceree_superstar at yahoo.com (Bluce Ree)]

<lol>
Yeah... the little guy does all the work and the big
guys create knock off items for 1/3rd the price. At
some point you got to join the big guys or perish.
Ahhhh Corporate America!

aloha, Bluce

--- Bighummel@aol.com wrote:

> In 1977 (oh, God, not another '77 story!) the Nth
> Face was a cutting edge 
> tent, backpack, clothing, sleeping bag manufacturer
> that was emerging to become 
> THE adventure gear manufacturer for hikers, climbers
> and other activities, 
> similar I believe to the Golight, Gossamer Gear, Six
> Moons, Henry Shires, ULA, 
> etc. situation now.  My brother's girlfriend (now
> wife) was working for the 
> president, Hap Klopp, when I hiked the trail.  
> 
> I had problems with my Jansport manufactured - Eddie
> Bauer labeled pack 
> (seams coming apart everywhere) and hitch-hiked out
> from Yosemite to my brothers 
> place in Berkeley.  Hap heard about me and suggested
> that I come in to speak 
> with him about the trek, problems, logistics, etc.
> so he could learn more and in 
> return he would sell me any pack in the store as a
> second with an employee 
> discount.  He and I spoke for about 2 hours and I
> walked away with the cutting 
> edge Kelty Tioga, the biggest, strongest pack made
> at the time.
> 
> I still own and use the first polarguard sleeping
> bag ever made, by the NF.
> 
> I still own and use the VE 23 tent, three person,
> dome, three season, ~ 6 
> pounds, made by the NF.  
> 
> They used to be cutting edge and make great gear. 
> Going public steered them 
> into the main stream, away from their core focus
> that got them to where they 
> were.  Hap hated the new pressures and directions
> away from their core and 
> started looking to go elsewhere.  He works for
> Patagonia now in marketing.  
> 
> It seems to happen to all of the best companies. 
> So, all of you little gear 
> manufacturers, don't get too successful or grow too
> big.  It takes all of the 
> fun out what you do so well.
> 
> Greg
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