Compulsive gear buying: There comes a time that you have to admit you have a problem.

[Sarcasm the elf]

One of the problems with being a section hiker is that I have a lot more time to think about hiking than I do to actually hike. This results in a lot of time questioning gear choices and rethinking strategy. Combine this with a lack of will-power and a credit card and it creates a problem.

I have backpacked a few hundred miles over the last four years and my girlfriend and my German Wire-haired Pointer have tagged along on a lot of the trips. In doing so I had purchased several packs for the three of us, trying to find the right fit. It wasn't until we got back from my first trip to Mountain Crossings, that I dug out all of the packs we've gone through in the the last few years and realized that maybe, just maybe I have a problem with compulsively buying gear.

Normally I wouldn't admit to making a mistake, but I live in an 850 square foot cottage and the gear has taken over!



With that said, I thought I'd ask my fellow WBers. How much gear have you bought, and how much of it was out of boredom vs. necessity?

[rocketsocks]

I realy don't have a lot of gear,but have bought a few things along the way,and none of them have anything to do with carring a wood burning stove,I agree,you gotta check yourself....try 1-800-Pac-krat

[Franco]

When I was working in town it was a case of "diversion" more than boredom.
I would leave my office and cross the road to play with outdoor gear just to clear my mind, so I ended up buying all sort of stuff that I never used.
Since then it is a bit more about boredom but usually curiosity.
For example in the bush I use the Caldera Cone (but used gas before that and occasionally still do) but I have purchased the wood burning Backcountry boiler and have on order the Bio Lite stove as well as the Power Pot so that I can try them out.
However because tents are my main interest I have more of those than any other type of gear.
Franco

[Sarcasm the elf]

When I was working in town it was a case of "diversion" more than boredom.
I would leave my office and cross the road to play with outdoor gear just to clear my mind, so I ended up buying all sort of stuff that I never used.
Since then it is a bit more about boredom but usually curiosity.
For example in the bush I use the Caldera Cone (but used gas before that and occasionally still do) but I have purchased the wood burning Backcountry boiler and have on order the Bio Lite stove as well as the Power Pot so that I can try them out.
However because tents are my main interest I have more of those than any other type of gear.
Franco

That reminds me, I need to order a TT Rainbow. (Seriously)

[Franco]

I'm back up to 14 shelters and about to get another AND not a TT...
(again not really for me to use but to experiment with...)
Apart from that I am the most normal guy in my house.
Franco

[rocketsocks]

About two years ago I finally pitched 3 packs that were framed and had many things wrong with them,was able to turn all that into one good one,looked at it for a year or so,then pitched it as well.Most of the gear that I have had over the years was stuff I picked up at a yard sale or the trash,some I was able to work with and fix up,others were eventually thrown out for someone else to scavenge.I'm trying hard not to be a collector of things anymore.....tryin.

[kayak karl]

im done. bought a cuben tarp 2 years ago. anything else is just replacing small stuff that wares out. FINALLY

[rocketsocks]

One thing is for sure,all AWB (After White Blaze)purchases will be more thought out than BWB(Before White Blaze).

[OutdoorsMan]

Wow! You do have a lot of gear. With two boys in Scouts, my credit card has been overused at REI and other places. One of my boys definately has the backpacking bug and the other may still get it. We have 5 backpacking tents and a couple of car camping tents. The boys do have quality gear - Osprey Aether packs, Big Agnes sleeping pads, good REI sleeping bags, Merrell boots, titanium pots, etc. so they should be good to go on trips thru college and beyond.
With college expenses pressing down on us I have had to say "whoa" to buying new gear though we are all interested in hammock hanging and hope to go that route sometime.
I don't feel guilty about having a lot of gear though because we do use it and I feel good about us participating in a healthy activity.

[Big Dawg]

I'm right there w/ ya elf. My quest to lighten the load is what seems to drive my obsession. I'm quite happy with the current "kit" I've assembled. The extras are what outfits people who go w/ me from time to time. My 19 year old niece just enjoyed her first backpacking experience at Grayson Highlands VA, and part of that enjoyment was the light pack full of gear that she had on her back, courtesy of your truely!!

[10-K]

I have enough gear to take me and 3 people I don't like hiking.

[Grits]

For example in the bush I use the Caldera Cone (but used gas before that and occasionally still do) but I have purchased the wood burning Backcountry boiler and have on order the Bio Lite stove as well as the Power Pot so that I can try them out.

If you dont want your backcountry boiler and want to get rid of it let me know. They are out of production now and no word when they will be available again. How does yours work and how much does it weigh? I could go with a kelly kettle.

[hikerboy57]

ive finally gotten to the point that although i still visit ems and rei regularly cause im hopelessly addicted to the shopping for gear part, i have successfully exited both stores emptyhanded 3 times each in the last two months!i have 3 backpacks, 3 day packs, 2 tents, 4 bags 3 pads, and miscellaneous bits and pieces.

[coach lou]

I think I've mentioned the "Non essential camping gear" corner/pile/shelves, in our garage. I should have a tag sale...we could go to St. John again!

[lemon b]

LOL. I can so relate. Too much time working and making money. Not enough trail time. Guess it is a function of age. Right now I still scratch my head way too much. Have two packs ready to go and another reserve. Plus the excuse that "The kids and their friends can always put this to use" Lets face they can handle more weight (stuff) Right now the tent thing is paramont in my mind. Finally thinking maybe I should get one that uses poles. Maybe a Six moons design? But which one works best in this New England rain. Then the big stove question. I have like 5. And if I could just find that perfect sleeping bag. Lost count how many I've given away let alone have in house. I keep the current equipment in my bedroom and have the extra's pile in the living room and the regular car camping stuff in the cellar. But hey it sure beats drinking.

[Capt Nat]

I don't do it out of boredom. When I'm having a bad time or feel bad about something, I reward myself with a new piece of gear. I can't afford to be depressed very often!!!

[coach lou]

I don't do it out of boredom. When I'm having a bad time or feel bad about something, I reward myself with a new piece of gear. I can't afford to be depressed very often!!!

"Retail Therapy"

[Connie]

Here is a video of my gear for backpacking. The black plastic bags are a number of different first layers and socks. The sleeping bags are not shown. The audio is a McNett video on internet.



I was embarrassed, when I made the video: I was organizing my gear for storage.

I don't have a gear closet. I have a 10' x 12' storage rental.

Here is a photo of my gear for kayaking. The kayak and carbon fiber kayak paddle are not shown. Obviously, I got into kayaking for river float trips with camping so I could have more gear.

gear.jpg

I also got into bicycling as an extension of backpacking to have more gear.

Except for computer stuff (gear) and tools to keep my vehicles running (gear) I don't have much else.

I want to build my own small house so I can have more gear.

Is this shameless?

I feel positively virtuous having this UL gear.

[skinewmexico]

I have enough gear to take me and 3 people I don't like hiking.

Only 3? I bet I could do 6. I went thru about 4 rounds of lightening up. Some day I need to dump all my traditional stuff from places like REI. I'd take it back and swap it if they had anything useful. I have finally reached the point (after my new Stratosphire 2) where there isn't anything I really want (need has nothing to do with it). So, like the poster above...............I've started buying bike gear. Still hiding my new 650b mountain bike at the office, until I come up with a good story for the wife.

[Connie]

OMG, I may have become materialistic.