That REI employee talked me out of a $400 tent and I'm glad he did

So I went into the REI in Portland last weekend ready to drop serious cash on a Big Agnes tent because everyone online swears they're the best. This older guy working there asked what kind of camping I actually do and I said just car camping a few times a year with my dog. He straight up told me to save my money and get the Kelty instead for half the price. I was kind of annoyed at first because I had my heart set on the fancy one. But he showed me how the Kelty has thicker fabric on the floor which matters more for my setup and the poles are way simpler to replace if they break. I took his advice and set it up in my backyard yesterday and honestly it works great for what I need. Has anyone else had a salesperson talk you down from a big purchase and end up being right?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancyjones1mo ago

Respectfully disagree, that Big Agnes would outlast the Kelty by years.

jamief671mo ago

Right @viola_lopez30, I trust your judgment on fabric thickness more than I trust my own history of pitching tents in the dark. Guess I'll just stick to my trusty old fly and hope it doesn't betray me.

viola_lopez301mo ago

Bet on the Big Agnes for sure the Kelty fabric is thinner than you think lol.