I was at the local Wal-Mart today and decided to see what was available in shoulder bags.

They have a pretty decent selection, and I found one that was not too feminine looking, slightly bigger than the Eddie Bauer I currently carry, and less than $10.00.

Granted these bags can't match the abuse handling factor of Maxpeditions or the other manufacturers of high end bags designed for kick ass use, but you can buy 10 to 15 of them and probably still have some left over in your estate when you die.

I like the good heavy duty stuff, the lifetime warranties, and the association of owning kick ass equipment, but when you talk 10 or more times the price, I really have to consider the practical aspects and how much use this rather easy going civilian is going to put these bags through.

Bountyhunter

Is that the bag swung by the Tienamen Square protestor in front of the tank? WallyWorld more than any other corporation created the unequal balance of trade with Red China. They destroy local communities economic infrastructure and pay lousy wages with no benefits. Nothing personal Bountyhunter, but PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. or Green, buy American if you can. If you can't, the refugee tibetan community makes great bags too.

I couldn't have said it better myself Chris. Thanks from a UNION Laborer who boycots wal-mart (capital W left out on purpose). They're crushing local economies all over, and most people can't see the closed down local businesses past the "low low prices".

Troy

And in California (at least), they are the dirtiest, most crowded stores you can find, even worse than K-mart if you can believe that. Pallets of merchandise blocking many of the isles, carts of stuff everywhere, merchandise just laying on the floor. Most of the employees are surly, very unhelpful, and know little if anything about the products in their area of responsibility. We avoid them like the plague...

I read a lot in these forums and for the most part I agree with what is said, but in this I have to dissent. As a Cpl in the Marine Corps with a family and now a student with a family shopping at Wal-Mart was the only way I could make ends meet. As far as the stores go, all the ones I have been in were clean. True the people there might not know a lot, but I learned long ago not to rely on store employees anyway. I know how unpopular I just made myself, but I don't really care what people think of me. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Besides, from a survival stand point it seems like I should go where I can get the most for my energy expenditure.

I have found that spending 1.5 times the $ amount on a product usually results in it lasting twice as long or more. Since I have quit buying stuff from dollar stores and the walmarts I'm not buying the same stuff over and over again every few years. Be it from the clothes and shoes that didn't last a season to tools to the gear. Sometimes Walmart has good deals but usually on the quality products they are no cheaper than anyone else. I gave the example of my mother in law and the dollar store syndrome in the other branch of this thread and I have found 9 times out of 10 my theory holds.

O.K. I probably stirred a pot better left simmering. I've allready got my local Green Party members set to tar and feather me for riding to the Reagan Library with flowers. If you see us on T.V., yea, my horse is better groomed than me. Hey, he was my president too. Everything we comment on is opinion.There are no litmus tests, secret handshakes or other criteria besides a modicum of manners to contribute here.

no secret handshakes??

man...i was hoping to learn the secret handshake when i hit 100 posts heh.

We remove one digit with a E-BAy $9.99 survival bowie. This explains the typoes and sometimes horrific grammar.

So?

I have Maxpedition gear. It aint made here, but is rugged.
Should I get less well-made stuff for more money just because its made in the US? <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />