And why does it make a difference if I like to put on crampons, freeze my ass off, and hike up iced-over scree to climb a piece of beautiful ice? Does that make me more privileged to wear these brands? Just curious.

haha ! Ok, I see that's what he meant now, my bad.

But, what happens if at the bar afterwards, I change into my comfy 'climbing clothes'? Does it still make a difference?

Its the city people with their bright colors and complicated shoes.

Nekedness.

More importantly, though, moisture control is a big deal. I wear a lot of wicking underwear, breathable fabrics, and stuff with vents. I am a big fat fucker, and I sweat like crazy... high end clothes contribute greatly to the prevention of swamp ass and crotch rot.

When I was climbing in my Hanes cotton boxers, I was worlds less comfortable than I am in a pair of REI wicking shorts.

As long as people don't dress like sluts, i'm cool.

But I get a mean heel hook in stilettos. What's the problem?

But I get a mean heel hook in stilettos. What's the problem?

I absolutely wear "climbing clothes". Whatever I can find in the clearance bin at REI, or at the scratch-n-dent sales, I scoop up. I used to climb in cheap wal-mart and old navy shit, but they fell apart quickly. The higher end stuff has proven to be more durable, and things like gusseted crotches are mighty handy for those nasty high steps...

More importantly, though, moisture control is a big deal. I wear a lot of wicking underwear, breathable fabrics, and stuff with vents. I am a big fat fucker, and I sweat like crazy... high end clothes contribute greatly to the prevention of swamp ass and crotch rot.

When I was climbing in my Hanes cotton boxers, I was worlds less comfortable than I am in a pair of REI wicking shorts.

High end athletic clothes are well worth the price, but I am still a cheap bastard and only buy the heavily discounted stuff.

Wow!! Maybe your not a complete moron.

I boycott Walmart and their type for nearly all purchases.(I have bought propane, styro coolers/ice and a cheap pillow for destinations I flew to); the pillow is, by tradition, passed on to someone staying at the camp area when I leave, as are any other items that can't get back on the plane, like the fuel and foods that cannot travel).

So - even though my income is probably a lot less that many people who shop those stores, I won't use their goods for ethical reasons(I have seen how they come to their retail prices and it is predatory).

I can't really afford Prana/North Face/Patagonia, etc. at whim, but I do prefer to have pants that are cut for the flexibility, and so they are my choice when I do purchase. Of course, all those brands sell styles that don't offer that flexibility, and I don't buy those styles.

I haven't really been in a clothing store other that the outdoor gear stores in....a few years. Even though I live in the retail mecca of the US, I just cannot stand the energy in most stores. So....those venues are out.

Thrift shops - I ain't into the time spent sifting through the thrift. It's very similar to the energy of any retail store, for me, and therefore distasteful. I prefer to spend my time elsewhere(like pecking away at internet boards.....oy veh).

Clothes purchasing is sort of done as needed, not as a fix. I actually need a few new items soon, but I don't know if I can spring the cash for them. We'll see.


p.s - I like Prana capris on guys. The looseness at the hips, and then the bare lower legs,,,,Show off those sexy calf muscles men!

None is better than wicking - that's what you learn in the jungle where swamp ass ends you up with cotton candy growing out of your crack (for real - just not so sweet and pretty colored).