I do not agree with this elitism and non elitism discussion at all, Bushcraft is all a learning
situation and as will always be the case, there will be members with lots of knowledge, and those starting off.
When I joined the forum a couple of years ago, there did not seem to be all this carping between members about status etc., We are all entitled to have our opinions about things
but do we need to keep telling others they are wrong. Surely if you like someones gear you admire it and indeed copy it if you have the skills or money to buy it. If you do not like it or think it is poor value. you may advise them of an alternative when they can afford it, or how to obtain a similar but more efficient item from an inexpensive source.
I just love seeing good gear which some members have created themselves and have
copied some of their ideas. The Hobbo Stove for example, but that has not stopped me
forking out £160 for a" woodlore" cloan knife , Because I could afford it at the time. I would
consider it worth it, not to have my Pints of Beer for many months in order to pay for it.
I can cherish it and enjoy it for many years, Knowing that it will serve me well. No doubt many members will think this is crazy, But as has been said before we are all entitled to
make our own choices in life and learn by our mistakes. I may not be as true a bushcrafter as many of the members as I tend to like my comforts too much, but I am not saying that camping or hammocking is roughing it, But I do like my Goose Down sleeping bag, and Hennessey Hammock, and see no need to be apologetic over my choice, I feel
that it is worth doing without many other things for ages in order to afford some item of
gear that you know will work for you. I am aware of all the discussions about Down
getting damp and not insulating etc., but after camping for more than fifty years, with synthetic and even kapoc stuffing, I have learned that if I can afford it I go for what I find suits me. I am not hard on gear and try to look after it as well as possible. and really good stuff lasts better than a cheap option, but is more costly to replace .
From experience I like Goretex for Mountaineering gear but would not use it in the woods
Each piece of gear may be suited to one activity better than another. And I am not getting into the Denim discussion thank you very much. Each to his own, and that is how it should be. Enough said