[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

[pct-l] Feathered Friends DISASTER



pct>From: Jennifer R. Doebler

>HOWEVER, I urge you--I implore you--DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM
>FEATHERED FRIENDS.

>So, in conclusion, their customer service staff is horrendous, they have no
>concept of time, and they are overrated in every aspect.  FEATHERED FRIENDS
>IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO BUY SLEEPING BAGS FROM.  I just wanted to warn you
>all in case you thought that the Backpacker Magazine Gear guide review
>sounded as appealing to you as it did to me.

Hmmm...is this recycled post or a second person who has had a bad
experience with Feathered Friends?

The thing that amazes me is why would you order a bag just before
summer and, presumedly, just before a big trip? Like, if you're about
to renovate your house would you look for a contractor in June? Not if
you're impatient. Next time try planning ahead in October.

I have a custom Feathered Friends bag I ordered from them about five
years ago. It's a great winter expedition bag. As you've insinuated
(without ever testing) the bag is "overrated". I prefer my 20 year old
Black Ice bag; they certainly don't make bags like that anymore. By
the way, Western Mountaineering makes bags as well as Feathered
Friends. Since I never read Backpacker Magazine I don't know if
they've tested a Feathered Friends against a Western Mountaineering
bag (for those who are guided by what Consumer Reports says). Having
owned both, the Western Mountaineering bag is a better bag, but
neither are even close to my old Black Ice bag.

When it comes to equipment I say just get something and go with
it. It's not the equipment that makes the trip. My brother still uses
the Frostline bag, vest and down coat that my mother made for us 32
years ago. Yes they're full of patches and there's probably little
down left in the baffles (I think that's the correct word), but hell
my brother also swears by old wool sweaters bought at yard sales,
Pendleton shirts and baseball caps found on the playground. He sneers
everytime he looks into one of my bedrooms filled with climbing and
backpacking equipment. I must admit that he does have a much nicer
house than I, but then I'd be better off supplying the neighborhood in
an environmental crisis.

Dave

===========================================
        Dave Encisco
        dencisco@rotorwiz.arc.nasa.gov
===========================================
* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================