“If you’re concerned about the economic health of this country, go play,” he said.
That’s from a story about the Outdoor Retailer summer show in Salt Lake City. More on the numbers:
The $730 billion figure, he said, represents the ripple effect of spending on bicycling, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, snow sports, hiking and wildlife viewing.
A person spends $61 on an average day trip, $115 on an average overnight trip and $185 a year for equipment, said Southwick, who got technical support from professors at four universities.
Who are these people who can withstand temptation and spend only 185 bucks in 365 days? OK, sane people; I’m just sayin…
Have you ever seen any of these $250 or $300 challenges for a backpacking gear kit?
Here’s one: http://hikinghq.net/300_challenge.html
…and another: http://www.adventurealan.com/250_challenge.htm
It’s something I’ve been meaning to do some day — try to create my own cheapest gear kit. I’d do this as an intellectual exercise, and as a way to encourage unitnitiated friends to join me.
I have seen those, come to think of it. Thanks for posting the links.
The whole notion of “the lighter it is, the more expensive it must be” can also be disproved by a determined do-it-yourselfer (depending on how you value of the time spent making stuff yourself, and the value of rewarding other people’s craftsmanship).