I'm surprised there's so much hate.


Personally I was raised by a father whom traveled quite a bit before there were frequent flyer programs so I've been on very few guided tours (typically only day excursions) so I've grown up using guide books. So I'll typically end up at the bookstore looking through a stack of them and buy a couple that cover different prespectives. RS is just another set that offers another perspective. I'll buy them when I see a good value.

I've seen the show and I'll agree it's a bit hokey. I'm not sure I trust the quality of his bags. I don't think I'd do a tour as I like exploring at my own pace.

On-average I'd probably trust the RS brand over others as I tend to agree with some of the travel philosophy he espouses. That is travel light, travel prepared, try the culture. Do I backpack through europe, no. Do I stay at mostly high end places, no.