The 80/20 Rule

pict

pict

Joined
Jan 7, 2003
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It is a generally observed principle in much of life that you get 80% of the function or value from the first 20% of investment. The numbers aren't hard and fast, this is more subjective than objective but as a general rule I have found it very useful.

For instance, to become physically fit you need to put out the first 20% of effort. That gets you up to the 80% point of your physical potential. Most people are more than happy to arrive at this point and then follow a maintenance routine to stay there.

To gain that last 20% and arrive at your theoretical maximum performance requires the additional 80% of effort. It is the difference between being in shape and being an Olympic athlete or at least at the very top of your game whatever that game may be. It is the difference between being a seriously good shot and winning competitions.

This rule also applies to gear and tools as well. For instance a Mora knife will get you 80% of the function of a scandi for the first 20% of investment, about $10. To get the very most out of the "scandi knife system" requires an additional 80% of investment in better steel, full tang construction, better handle materials, top drawer sheath, etc. That will put the cost of the knife well above the $100 range or even much higher.

It would be nice to have the very best in every category. It would also be nice to have the capabilities of an Olympic athlete and the speed and precision of a competition level shooter. Since most of us settle for the lower end of the 80/20 rule in most areas of life, what gear, blades, and equipment hit the 80/20 mark in your experience?

Mac
 
I mean what gear or blades do you get that full 80% of value on while only paying that first 20% of investment. IMO the Tramontina, Ontario Machetes, and the Mora strike that price/value point very well. Mac
 
OK, gotcha.

Hmmm.

GI Poncho
GI canteen kit
GI e-tool
Medium ALICE (no frame)
Well, I guess darn near anything GI surplus. . .

To be honest, I don't carry that many things, so I've been going for that last 20% lately.
 
Hell, 80% of the SAKs cost 20% of a high end knife, and cuts stuff 100% of the time.

I don't think anyone on this forum is a good example of the Pareto Principle :rolleyes:
 
Bro Pict - what a fantastic question! For me it would be my Taurus PT1911 and Norinco 1911 - both cost a fraction of what my Baer and Yaneks did, but deliver more than 80% of performance. On Knives, must be my Entreks vs. Busse, on watches; my Citizen Radio Controlled over my Rolex Submariner.
Is this what you are asking?
 
GI Canteen - for 2.50 for a brand new one - beats out a nalgene any day, and is a cheap way to carry water. I pair that with One stainless bottle for boiling/disenfecting water and I am good to go. Lightweight and more compact to boot. Opinel folder - does everything you could want a knife to do, and it even locks - 7-8 bucks a pop - can't beat it. Also, Maglite flashlights.
Oh, and Ruger GP100 - fraction of the cost of a SW686 or similar, does everything I could want, and is a joy to shoot. Could effectively replace all my carry pieces if I needed it to.
 
I also don't carry much anymore. However I agree with a couple of your choices, Mora and Tram.

When it comes to gear and such, I look at it this way. The most value seems to be in the middle of road gear, Not the most expensive as you are often giving 30 percent for the Name, and not the cheapest because they often cut a lot of corners. Since I cannot afford the Best of everything, the items that I go top dollar for have to hold a high priority.
 
Falcor said:
Bro Pict - what a fantastic question! For me it would be my Taurus PT1911 and Norinco 1911 - both cost a fraction of what my Baer and Yaneks did, but deliver more than 80% of performance. On Knives, must be my Entreks vs. Busse, on watches; my Citizen Radio Controlled over my Rolex Submariner.
Is this what you are asking?
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Exactly. I have a Taurus 85 that runs like a Swiss watch, yet I paid $150 for it used. On several occasions after firing it people have turned it sideways to confirm that it is in fact a Taurus.

I think there is alot of good stuff out there that if you wanted to buy better would have to climb up that 80% investment slope for the 20% gain.
 
Great thread. Sometimes I think of it as the difference between weekend bushcraft and wilderness living. The only things I've gone high with are my GB light ax, GB hatchet, my boots, and my sleeping bag. Everything else is in your 20% catagory.
 
pict said:
Exactly. I have a Taurus 85 that runs like a Swiss watch, yet I paid $150 for it used. On several occasions after firing it people have turned it sideways to confirm that it is in fact a Taurus.

I think there is alot of good stuff out there that if you wanted to buy better would have to climb up that 80% investment slope for the 20% gain.
Click to expand...

i've got a Llama like that in .45 ACP.

only i don't let other folks shoot it, as much as i might love them. - weapons that you count on shouldn't be shared IMHO.

......

besides the machetes that you mentioned; Cold Steel Tomahawks, of course. - i think its' a bit more than 20% increase though personally; they are a different creature when you put a superior handle on them and get the edge to your liking.

hammocks of all sorts might be another example. i've slept on canvas in the jungle and felt like i was in a Five Star hotel, when the cheap mosquito netting was folded just right.

rope and line. fishing line especially.

ponchos - scale up to a cagoule or a poncho/bivy and you will never go back willingly, when caught in extremes IMHO.

good sheaths! cardboard and tape will do until they don't do.

belts.

hats, gloves, and clothing.

bags.

sunglasses.

compasses and watches.

GPS's - anything without an electronic compass is going to be Hell when you really need it and there is no satellite feed. - might've just as well have used the compass and barometer and map. anything less is just a toy.

boots and sandals.

tactical gear. cheap stuff never fails until there's a fire fight. it's some rule God made up apparently.

gun magazines (the kind that hold bullets vice the periodicals) are probably not on this list IMHO. - buy the best, never look back.

firestarters. knock-offs of classics, like the Doans tool always seem to fly apart when it is 10 degrees out and the wind is howling.

any kind of power tool.

vehicles.

vec
 
I am amazed it was only $35 and while not as good as a higher end pack, the quality seems pretty darn good. Double stiched where it needs to be, good zippers, plenty of molle attachments, etc.

Also the Ontario pilots survival knife. Pretty tough and functional for about $30.

Carl-
 
Hey Pict?

variations on 80-20 rule include:

"80% of your problems will come from 20% of your customers."

"80% of your income will come from 20% of your customers."

my addendum: NOT the same 20%.

Thanks.
 
The phrase "good enough for government work" comes to mind. My most expensive piece of gear is my Rolex Sea Dweller. I've done some extreme urban survival and I keep going back to the basics. All you really need is a good pair of boots, a good watch, a couple knives, and enough cigarettes to get you through the day. Everything else will come because of the aforementioned items.
 
Pritch said:
I like vests for dayhikes or day hunts and will often forego a pack in favor of one. I know that you wanted a brainstorming thread about a custom vest, not just links to commercial vests, but consider these design suggestions.

I've used the Primos Bow Vest for several years during the early season archery hunts. It is large enough that I can wear it on the outside of any insulation or rain shell I might need. It is cotton, though, and gets heavy when wet. Sometimes I'll wear a tiny hydration pack with my rain shell in it.

s7_932557_renderset_01


Recently I've been considering switching to the Cabela's Ultimate Bowhunting Vest. It might be too much in warmer weather but I liked how it fit and the pockets seemed well thought out. I'll have to try it on again and see if it will work in conjunction with my fanny pack before I decide.

s7_932692_renderset_01
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So, are those the 20%, or the 80%?
 
I think the Brio line of packs from MEC fit that split. far cheaper than arcteryx, and the other big names. you don't get things like water proof zippers and taped seams, they are a bit heavier, but still very functional.
Another point would be a low end silva baseplate compass. not as fancy or with as many toys as the high end ones, but does what a compass should.

Scott Adams (dilbert guy) has what he calls the 90% rule, generally the energy required in a task grows exponentially in the last 10% of the task, but almost no one will notice, so the point is to find that line where the job is good enough (carving a spoon v. landing on the moon) and stop there.
 
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