Walmart has launched a line of backpacking gear and clothing

Serves a certain population, I suppose. Spoken like a true gear snob, I know.

I'll 2nd that. I refuse go through their doors unless it's really needed.

However, when I first got started backpacking I didn't buy my stuff at walmart but I didn't purchase pricey stuff either since I wasn't real sure about myself and if I'd stick with it. Walmart has recognized that a lot of new people are entering the market and they want a share of that market. I agree with digger, they will soon migrate to rei and their competitors. Especially after finding out their $80 pack only lasted 7 trail days.

I'm thinking I'm gonna have to start doing my hikes in remoter parts Canada to get away from the crowds.

I felt that way for a long time. However, I've been going there lately simply because they are, along with Costco, one of the few grocery stores that actually enforce the mask mandate that exists in this state.

Good point. It's kind of like buying a huffy bike to see if you like mountain biking.

The pandemic has turned the outdoors into a zoo, so Wallyworld is capitalizing. In my area, Wal mart pays fifteen bucks an hour to start, with some benefits. That's as good as almost all mfg. jobs starting pay and much easier and pleasant work. They are a good part of our local economy and have turned into a decent employer and community member. I use to hate them, now, not so much. My wife and I never made beaucoup bucks so, buying reduced clothing was on the table. I must admit, the prices are about equal with sales at EMS, where almost all outdoor clothing has been purchased by us in the past thirty years. I'll still get my outdoor stuff such as boots in small local stores, my work clothes and food in the GIANT. It's the only place to safely shop for us right now. When aisle 10 in sporting goods starts displaying cuben fiber tents and 950 fill down quilts I may change my perspective.

Wal-Mart is the second most generous of Fortune 500 companies, according to the Motley Fool financial site. Without them , my area's food banks would be in dire straits. The US has approximately 150 million workers, Wal-Mart employs 1.5 million of them. Even a Trump has a shot at getting that math. Eyeglasses and pharmaceuticals are so much cheaper seniors flock to Wally. If they start selling Ivankas's crap or an outdoor line promoted by Bwana Donnie Jr., I will stop my Wally addiction. C'mon, I only do it on weekends, everyone does it, it's legal, ain't it? I can stop anytime I want.

It's the classic economic problem of the "winter boots."

You can purchase a quality pair of winter boots, that will last 6 years or more, for $100. Or, you can buy a cheap pair that will last one winter for $25. Which pair should you buy? Obviously the $100 pair, right? That's $16.67 per winter instead of $25 per winter.

Well, sure. If you have $100. Otherwise, you'll need to buy the $25 boots. Anyone reading this have a mortgage on your house? That's buying the $25 boots.