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Unpopular Opinion: I think we're seeing a real decline in traditional gear craftsmanship across the board. It feels like so much emphasis is placed on quick production and maximizing profit margins that the attention to detail and quality materials are often sacrificed.
Take, for example, hiking boots. Years ago, you could buy a pair that, with proper care, woudl last for decades. Now, it seems like even expensive brands start falling apart after a few seasons. The stitching is weaker, the soles delaminate, and the leather feels thin and processed. It's not just boots, either. I see it in everything from outdoor clothing where seams rip easily to formerly rock-solid backpacks that now use flimsy zippers.
I understand that innovation happens and materials evolve, but is it really evolution if the end result is a less durable product? Are we prioritizing convenience and lower prices over longevity and craftsmanship? Maybe I'm just getting old and nostalgic, but I miss the days when buying quality gear meant investing in something that would last a lifetime.Does anyone else feel this way?