I’ve used and tried many tents over the course of my outdoor experience, but the brand winner is (drum roll)- the north face. They have an incredible lifetime warranty on defects including repairs to waterproof seams and zippers. Zippers are always the first thing to break or snag, but luckily I have never had to send in a North Face tent for repair - they’re that robust. Value, durability, and weight/size are the most important factors for me when shopping for a tent, and TNF meet the bill. REI also makes quality tents and they have an excellent warranty. I always try to buy gear with extended or lifetime warranties.

I am partial to The North Face shoes and boots along with a lot of other gear they make due to their reasonable prices and incredible durability. I had a pair of trail runners that I put through the wringer- muddy trails, freestone creeks, snowy prairies, and rocky ascents. My feet were always warm and dry, even up to the day I retired them after 10 years of abuse. The tough Vibram soles (found in many outdoor brands’ shoe lines) provide superior stability and grip, while the goretex lining is both sturdy and breathable, helping to keep your feet bone dry even in wet conditions. After a decade of abuse on a couple different pairs, I was sold on the brand. The North Face makes affordable footwear that have outlasted many other shoes I’ve used out in the bush.