On "Gear Swap" a few minutes ago, David in the E. Bay area expressed a desire to buy some winter gators.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/process#forumtop
After one response to sell David some gators, Jay Wilkerson, also of the E. Bay area responded that he had a pair that he would lend David.
I was touched. I also wanted to get some feedback from my fellow BPLers, so I started this thread.
Some people are generous with their "stuff" generally, and others are not. Some may feel they worked hard for the money to be able to buy what they need and want. Some perhaps believe that few others would care as well for their gear as they, the owner would. They may feel they sacrificed by foregoing other items—nights out on the town, a fancier car, having kids, or otherwise.
Few of us would like to be taken advantage of by someone always borrowing our stuff. However, many of us may be willing to occasionally loan some piece(s) of gear if we know someone had a need. Even those of us with that attitude might choose to never lend anything on our current gear list. Or only to family members but never to friends. Or friends, but not family. Or maybe we draw the line at items worth under $50. Or, we'll lend anything but our Nunatak or Western Mountaineering bag, because of the potential for a "sweaty" return.
What do you think? How do you feel about lending and borrowing?
