That 4-hour argument over tent stakes at the REI parking lot

I was loading up my car after buying a new sleeping bag last Saturday and overheard two guys going at it about aluminum vs titanium stakes for almost 4 hours. They both had solid points but neither would budge, and I'm pretty sure they forgot why they even started the argument. Has anyone else gotten stuck listening to gear debates that just never end?

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hill.barbara4mo ago

Park myself on a nearby bench and pretend to check my phone so I can overhear the whole thing, honestly it's the best free entertainment. One time I watched a couple go back and forth about what brand of tent poles snap less in wind for like 2 hours at Grand Teton, I ended up eating my lunch super slow just to see who'd crack first. If you've got a good spot and a snack, just let em tire themselves out, they'll eventually wander off or realize the sun went down and remember they have to actually set up camp.

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brianm274mo ago

That bench strategy is gold. I've done the same thing at trailheads. One time I watched two ultralight backpackers argue for a solid hour about whether cutting the handle off your toothbrush actually saves meaningful weight. Got through a whole sandwich and half a bag of chips before one of them finally said "we've been here too long" and walked away. The other guy just stood there still holding his toothbrush. Real talk though these arguments happen because nobody wants to admit their gear choice was wrong. You drop serious cash on this stuff and suddenly your titanium stakes are part of your identity. Just let them go at it. Eventually the parking lot lights flick on and they realize they've been standing there for four hours with no tent pitched.

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