When you think back to the last trip you took in the wilderness, what is it that you remember the most? Is it sharing a meal with your best friends at camp? Is it that bear you saw? How about those gorgeous views after an 11 mile hike in? Or, is it about that new camp stove you bought? Chances are, it’s not about the camp stove.
That’s exactly the point. We spend so much time obsessing about the gear, when really it isn’t about the gear at all. It’s about the experiences we have along the way.
For sure, a certain amount of gear is required for most trips. I’ve seen people in water shoes and sandals trying to make a 4 mile hike to a lake still covered under 5 feet of snow that crosses several avalanche chutes along the way. A $600 hard shell jacket on the other hand, is not.
I’m guilty of gear obsession myself. I’ve bought the backpacker and outside gear guides. I’ve spent more time than I’m proud to admit comparing the weights of various backpacks trying to figure out which one is the absolute lightest without sacrificing too many features. I’ve had gear lust looking at another climber’s awesome new crampons while my perfectly safe crampons worked just fine. It’s a natural human reaction when we see nice things. We want them.
That’s just it though. That $600 jacket takes up money that could otherwise buy a lot of gasoline. Gas that could be spent making a lot more memories than that jacket will sitting in your closet while you work to pay it off.
Spend your money on safety first. Make sure your gear is in good condition and safe to use. Buy what is required to get you back to the trailhead in once piece. After that? Spend your money getting outside making memories that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 20 years from now, are you going to remember that trip to Yosemite or a $400 sleeping bag?
I am so glad you put this down on paper. Sometimes I find it very hard getting through to people that you do not have to have the “best of everything” to enjoy the best nature has to offer!
Yep. The only “gear” I really worry about is footwear. Messed up feet and the wrong shoes/boots can ruin a great trip. Otherwise? What did John Muir have? George Mallory? I love that wool has been “rediscovered” after some tens of thousands of years of life-saving service to humanity. I guess as the tool making/using ape people that we are, it’s in our genes to fuss about gear. I always remember “The Gods Must Be Crazy” and how hard it was to get rid of “the evil thing.”
Thanks for sharing these thoughts….Very well editorialized..Memories are forever….
Definetely agree with you on this one. I’ve never heard it called “Gear Lust” but I love it. That’s exactly what I get, when I see a new shelter, tent, or someones backpack, but I know my gear is in good condition and works just fine. I suggest saving your money, then you can spend it on a new camera to record those amazing sunsets and waterfalls and share it on DH for everyone to ooohhh and aaahhhh over.
Enjoy the weekend.
Funny enough, I’ve been pondering a new SLR that takes videos so I can take some for the website. Other than the videos my current camera works perfectly fine. So, I haven’t decided if it’s worth it or not.
Think of the value of the gear compared to the value of the memories.
I agree safe dependable gear, doesn’t have to be shiny and new, but I also think that if it meets your needs and makes the experience better, splurge. For me, shoes. For Steve it’s this thin air mattress, for our friends it’s a tent that fits the whole family. Our gear fits each of us for what we need.
Appreciate what you have and be glad you are there to use it. ( The extra steps are Not what you’re gonna remember!)
There is certainly a level of comfort that is well worth the splurge. That much is a very personal decision when it comes down to it. However, when it’s between a $600 jacket and plane tickets to go on an adventure, pick the plane tickets every time.
This is so true,I agree 100% Safety Should be #1 on the list
Whether just a day hike or a 7day Back country trip.
I agree it’s the experence. Some gear is necessary of course. I’m just starting to get back into hiking, since I’m working on my stamina and getting into shape, it’s been on trails that I know and only day hikes. But I am thouroughly enjoying myself.
[...] Daily Hiker: Experience, Not Gear [...]