Re: Stepping outside the box

--- In BackpackingLight-F5Bj5G+ccuY@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "nicholson1318" 
<nicholson1318@xxxx> 
> I can't see why... some established institutions, such as MEC
> haven't moved in the that (ultralight) direction yet (and trust me 
>  they haven't; I go to the Vancouver store all the time).
> 

They havn't for various reasons such as:

1 - Their target audience is outdoor "families".  When you start 
hiking with your kids, you quickly find out that you need that big 
pack

2 - Experience levels of the majority of clients... they're afraid to 
sell someone something that they'll get into trouble with

3 - LW gear is prone to wear - vendors like lifetime guarantees and 
no return/warrantee issues

4 - Volume - sadly, even companies like Granite Gear don't make 
enough packs for a MEC/REI to do business with them.  They have to 
supply their internet sales, and stores.  A lot of these companies 
just aren't set up to deal in volume... they can't expand to meet the 
demand of one large vendor... let alone supporting small and large 
vendors