Confusion? Love the HT satire.
From my perspective so as to not speak for another:
Apples and oranges for your attempt to compare.
Corporate buying smaller companies involves removing the pride of purchasing from those immersed in the community. I take pride buying from small business.
Contracting corporate entities to provide government services advanced greatness for American ingenuity and led America as a country of inventions from flight to combustion and gas engines.
Yes. EXO Mountain gear, while expensive, continues to punch above its price point.
They stated they will never sell out to large corporations or holding companies.
Also, their podcast continues to shine with no ads, and they refuse to accept payment for gear promotions. I love their feedback on various products used in the backcountry: caliber choice, boots, sleep systems, clothing, etc. The value here is that they recommend gear that flat out works and explain why it works, regardless of whether it is expensive or cheap. They also, unabashedly, discuss gear that doesn't work as a point of reference that is also helpful.
One thing they love to use is bivy sacks as their sleep system. I understand why and respect their opinion, but my preference is tipi tarps with UL wood stoves. Their discussion on the pros/cons of bivy sacks was so nuanced and transparent (they use and accept others' objections and/or criticisms to weigh in) that I came to appreciate my system more for the way I hunt.
I go deep in the backcountry for my base camp, but not as far and to as extreme lengths as they do. I always have my sons with me, so it's nice to have the comfort and practicality of a stove to dry out and get warm faster. As they grow older, I may veer into bivy sack use.
