tipi’s

It weighs 14 lbs., 13 ozs. If you've got the guide and his pack string, it would be fine. Edit: $100, if you look around.

Niche items, made to order or in small batches, by US sewers, of top quality materials, with a bunch of seams that have to be cut and sewn precisely.

Sew one yourself and then you will understand. After making a pyramid tarp myself, I am surprised their prices are as low as they are

Yeah, and they are definitely more difficult to make than pyramid tents. Tipi's are good for use with stoves, and if set up right, can be pretty wind resistant. I have a Seek Outside Tipi/titanium stove combo for our possible economic collapse/emergency bag. The only thing i don't like about it, is how many stakes you need to set it up. We occasionally use it for more car camping type situations. I have a MLD cuben solo mid that i primarily use for myself backpacking. We were able to use it some this summer though during our trip to Victoria BC. It wasn't comfortable with both of us, but it technically covered all of us and our gear (i don't recommend this for most, except for smaller couples with UL, smaller packs/less gear and even though we're both under 5' 10", we had no room to spare).

The fabric itself can cost 10x more than the polyester used in those Gear Guide tents. It is also harder , more difficult, to work with so takes more time and skill to do. If the difference between 14 and 6 pounds is not important to you (car camping or using a sled, whatever..) then maybe it isn't worth paying 5 or 10 times more. However people here pay $300 to $500 more to save 1 or 2 pounds.

Thanks, understand the arguments. Love cottage industries and their personal contact, was interested in exact reasons. Also no sweat shops of course

Pride, intended profit margin, etc.

"Also no sweat shops of course" This is a big difference plus expected profit margin. Materials are more expensive, but there isn't a whole lot of fabric in the grand scheme of things. We demand a decent wage for our time. Let's say a pyramid takes (10) hours of labor at $20/hr vs $1/hr. There's an easy $200 difference. Ryan