Been thinking that with school starting soon it's time to start looking at the Thrift Stores for nice bookpacks for BOB's. Found a nice Jansport bookpack today for $2.70 and a Nalgene bottle (ebay conferance give away) for 56 cents.

Dave

Now that's bargain hunting. I bow in the direction of Cali. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

It depends on what you want I guess.

JanSport while not junk is NOT high-quality! They break after a year or so of school usage not what I want to carry around heavier gear (moreso than school gear) with. I`ve known LOTS of jansport zippers to die and some strap breakage.

Was it a "real" nalgene bottle or knock-off? Some that are knock-offs are made with cheaper material and can't handle boiling water or constantly changing items.

I love deals as much if not more than the next guy but sometimes you get what you pay for so watch out.

I absolutely despise Wal Mart. It has caused the demise of more good, old, family owned stores in central Texas than I can count.

That said, they are become the de facto clearing house for inexpensive 'stuff'.

Grease pots = backbackers' cook pots.

Real Nalgene, made in USA and marked Nalgene. I won't buy the knock offs either. I've also picked up LL Bean, REI, MEI , Banana Republic and USGI stuff. So far nothing has died on me, but I'm fairly picky and only take the nice stuff. All the BOB's etc for friends and family have been done this way.
Got a EMT bag made by Galls for $1.75 at the same place.

Dave

I love thrift stores and yard sales, but I do try and buy stuff that is "solid". Meaning things like pots, clothes, rope, etc. I have bought things like colman lanterns and stoves with mixed results because you don't know if they work. Just my suggestions.

Dave, you didn't tell me about this place last summer when I was out there!
You holding out on me?
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

JanSport has a lifetime guarantee on their products. I've picked up a couple of book/day packs at garage sales for a total of $1.25. My son has been using the $1.00 one for a couple of years at school.

I had to send the 25-cent one back to JS to have the zipper replaced (which added about $2.50 to the cost). It came back good as new, & it's used frequently as a catch-all bag.

David

Joe Bob, since it was another 60 miles for you, I thought I'd spare you the drive <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dave

Heck, Dave, it is a whole lot farther than that!
I am back on the east coast, closer to 2600 miles from you.
Thanks again for your hospitality while I was in the area.
Joey