It is a no brainer. Employees of other top outdoor retailers share Olsen s opinion. Mary Madison, a sales specialist at REI, also recommends brand name outdoor products. Our top sellers are Columbia, REI brand jackets, North Face and Burton. However, many students working through school without much financial freedom are burdened by these prices.
Retailers acknowledge the high prices, but still say they offer the greater long-term investment.
You get a good deal all around. All large outdoor retailers claim the warrantees offered through large brand name items give consumers an incentive to buy. You can buy something and come back in ten years 10 years , and we will either replace or repair the item. You can also upgrade gear by trading in old models for the new cutting edge material. I don t need North Face.