Thinking about gear... and other things.

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
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Every year I go on vacation to Michigan for a month or so. I am lucky that my wife and I are both educators have not only have the time off but can afford it.

Anyway, we live out of one bag for a month. I want for very little in this time - and always realize how much crap I have.

Knives fell under then microscope this year - and I am realizing that I almost always buy and mess with knives as a way to supplement actually hiking or camping. I need a small 4 inch knife to fit the way I like to hike and camp and not much more. I will pack an axe or most likely a saw if needed. The reality is - I don't (again, for me) need much more - and most times could get away with a SAK.

Other things I have realized this trip...

Walking sticks. Love the look - don't need them. I have made a dozen and realize they are merely dead weight when I hike most of the time. I went with a no frills bamboo model and will likely only use it when I have a lot of elevation changes.

A lot of my BOB does not need to be packed when I am hiking. Much of it is simply dead weight and needs to stay in my car for when I have NO other gear. (i.e - 10 different ways to start fire mostly is just thermal masturbation).

Survival training. This is mostly a GREAT way to screw up a nice hike or time in the woods. I am over it. I will train a skill or two while I am out - but setting myself up for torture is... well... torture and not fun.

Hiking and Camping - is only fun for me or enjoyable with a buddy or family member. Ticking off miles - or sitting alone - is lame.

Thru - Hiking the AT or PCT. For me, this is another great way to screw up a great view. When you BARELY have enough time to chase spring and end up in late fall in order to simply complete the trail - I have had to worry so much about mileage that it is not longer fun. My point is not CAN I do it - but can I enjoy myself doing it. I think cranking out 20+ mile days all spring/summer/fall sounds lame.

I think for too long I have simply looked at magazines or books and thought how cool it would be to do some of this stuff - trained for it - and never realized that I didn't like it. I no longer want to simply acquire crap or knowledge for something I may never do and most likely would not like if I did it.

I am beginning to think that the real bushcrafter love it so much they are not on line and the majority of those left are merely gear collectors who supplement the experience (or attempt to fulfill the dream) by buying gear and chewing the fat about the topic rather than doing it.

I have owned a stack of custom knives, some of the best knives I could imagine when first getting into this thought process, and I realize now that many of them were for people that were not me who needed them for things I not only did not know how to do - but wouldn't have liked doing it had I known what to do. In other words, I bought knives that others made, dreamed about, or used without realizing what it was I wanted to do.

Many people, including myself at times, are not willing to substantially change their lives to make life as they dream it, a reality. I think 90% of the recreational purchases are pipe dream fodder rather than gear that actually will get used.

I have to make my life in such a way that my gear follows my life style - not that I attempt to follow my gear because those I saw use it made it look cool. Bushcraft, I fear, for myself and for many, falls into that category. Ray Mears once had a dream - but we should not obsess about his gear unless that dream is also ours. Then, oddly, the gear is merely the means to fulfilling the dream - not the end.


TF
 
Great post buddy and I agree with about 90% of what you say !

What don't I agree with:

"Hiking and Camping - is only fun for me or enjoyable with a buddy or family member. Ticking off miles - or sitting alone - is lame."

The above might be true in your case but I enjoy hiking on my own ( with dogs ) every bit as much as I do with companions.

And This:

"I am beginning to think that the real bushcrafter love it so much they are not on line and the majority of those left are merely gear collectors who supplement the experience (or attempt to fulfill the dream) by buying gear and chewing the fat about the topic rather than doing it."

While not a Bushcrafter as such I am an avid outdoorsman and spend as much field time as anyone you could name, however maybe it's because I hike alone a lot I find I do like to share my pics with people such as yourself when I get home !
 
There are a lot of ideas to think about in your post. I agree with many of your ideas but not all of them. As much as I enjoy the companionship of my girlfriend and son I enjoy the few occasions when I am completely alone. I almost always carry a hiking stick and I mean a stick not a piece of aluminum. I have found that it does help on steep inclines and when crossing streams. I do agree that many people miss a lot of things along the way because they are focused on the destination. The only time we really get in a hurry is when the coyotes start calling and Pam thinks we're too far from the vehicle.
Have you read Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking? The first part of the book is about making the most of your outdoor experience and it did help me to better enjoy the time I spend outdoors. Great post, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
 
fishiker said:
There are a lot of ideas to think about in your post. I agree with many of your ideas but not all of them. As much as I enjoy the companionship of my girlfriend and son I enjoy the few occasions when I am completely alone. I almost always carry a hiking stick and I mean a stick not a piece of aluminum. I have found that it does help on steep inclines and when crossing streams. I do agree that many people miss a lot of things along the way because they are focused on the destination. The only time we really get in a hurry is when the coyotes start calling and Pam thinks we're too far from the vehicle.
Have you read Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking? The first part of the book is about making the most of your outdoor experience and it did help me to better enjoy the time I spend outdoors. Great post, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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I agree 100% about the TB Field Guide, it's a must read for anyone who spends time in the outdoors !:thumbup:
 
Good points.



I think most of us have a lot of knives NOT because we think we need them to bushcraft or anything, but because we are knife collectors?;):rolleyes:

We may talk about the finer points of one knife or another for doing this or that but we (or at least me) have a lot because I like collecting them.

That said I do use a lot of my stuff but if I was buying under the assumption that I needed them I would be deluding myself. I buy them because I'm a knife collector:thumbup:

Far as the ticking off miles part I've never done any thru hiking but being an office dwelling cubicle worker who has a 2 hour round trip part of the joy of getting out for me is to actually cover ground on foot. I do agree there is a line between being in a hurry and enjoying the scene though.:o

I think 90% of the recreational purchases are pipe dream fodder rather than gear that actually will get used.
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Knives aside I'd have to say that is not true with me. I've used nearly all of the gear I've bought.:thumbup:

Also some things like orienteering, identifying and eating wild plants, and cooking over a fire don't really have to be part of some survivalist or bushcraft fantasy but are a natural part of enjoying the woods.:D
 
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I agree with everything you said. I have absolutely no intention of climbing to the peak of a mountain or hiking 100's of miles. I also don't understand bushcrafters who fill their time in the woods with...chores. Nothing wrong with it, it's just not me.
 
After considering my whole outlook on knives and the things I do in the wilderness lately, this thread is a timely topic :thumbup:
I have enough knives, gear, and guns to outfit a dozen people. Yeah, I rotate my gear and use different stuff ,but lately have been realizing I just own waaay too much stuff. I guess I like quality gear and knives and such , but lately have come to the conclusion, " do I really need another knife (yup:D) and backpack? or tent? or firestarter? Not really. Do I really need to go in the bush to prove to myself I can erect a shelter,start a fire, make a trap,etc etc...No. I've done that many times already. I no longer want to go into the bush on a "mission." I want to go to enjoy nature for what it is , not to play with a new-bought piece of gear. This revival in how I look at things gets increasingly more simple on every excursion I go on. Whether it's by myself, with friends and family, and so on.
Thanks for the post.:)
 
I agree with Hollowdweller about the collector thing (I'm waiting on two blades as it is and am starting to grind a few out for myself), and I agree with you, Tal about the rest. I've spent a lot of time proving things to others and I've been taking it easier in recent years (a young kiddo might have something to do with this) and enjoying my time outdoors without having to prove my skills or fitness or cross some achievement off an imaginary list. I do love the view from a mountain peak and will work hard to get there, but the moment being in the outdoors becomes a chore because of too much gear, gadgetry and the like, I take a closer look and change my tactics. I've been paring down the gear that I'm willing to carry on my back and I feel pretty good about it. Some of my old standbys are really making me feel good about buying them. Some of my other gear is gathering dust in the attic.
 
So you're saying you don't want me to send you a knife to start a pass around?


Rick
 
This is a truly well thought out thread that (I think) makes us take a long look in the mirror.
 
Well put. I don't agree with everything you wrote but that's ok, you've figured out what works or is important for you.
 
A part of me really wanted to quote the OP and every time he mentions a piece of gear, I would substitute the name of it for some kind of sex toy....But that would have been childish :D :D :D

I always like it when the Tall F**ker gets all introspective on us. There is a lot of truth, particularly the parts of buying gear as an actual substitute and symbol for dirt time, adventure, fantasy. Many of us do it. The concept is spoon fed to the consumer nation constantly. Yet, many of us here do tend to realize parts of those dreams. C Bryant's thread demonstrated that readily so. One thing I realized is that I can get a lot of pleasure on a tiny 200 acre plot of reserve that is 10 minutes from my house by visiting there frequently and getting to know its nuances. I achieve much more pleasure overall than saving all my dirt time for a single vacation that involves a 12 hr drive there and another similar drive back. The latter are fun to no doubt, but in the past I mislead myself that those kinds of adventures were the only ones worth having. A simple falsehood.

Then there is Magnussen. He seems like pain and frost bite and knuckle sandwiches. I guess thats what happens when you film rock videos in the eastern block....I suspect he also finds enjoyment from soft beds, cuddles with kids and stomping on fingers.....Oops was that last one didn't fit...
 
Fantastic read!

I agree with just about all of it, I too feel the same way most of the time. As I stated before in other threads I only buy and/or keep what I will need and use. I don't have lots of gear just laying around to collect dust. I have what I need and use and nothing more.

I do have friends that I call gear collectors, 90% will never get used and it just gets stored in a closet. many of them just buy gear because it was cool looking, or they watched a video and thought "I may need that someday" and then when we are out and we doing our thing they never use what they brought or they never bring it in the first place.

I also know people that go out and buy all this gear and never ever come with me when the wife and I and a few others go out to the mountains for the day or a few days. I really do think they just like the "idea" of having this stuff and actually going out and learning and using it, they really don't ever plan on using it they just like the "idea" of it.

I have what I need and will use and nothing more, for this I am happy. :)
 
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Great post. I think that your introspective look has or will likely hit a spot with many people in some form or fashion.

We need to retreat to a quiet place and take inventory of our lives. It really is a necessity in the busy and complicated lives most of us have in this modern society.

I am currently reducing much of my "stuff" after going on a retreat last weekend. Less is better and I'm trying to get there.

Thank you for sharing this. I certainly appreciate it.
 
I'm glad everyone has come to the conclusion that they only need one knife, now send all ya spare ones to me so I can waste my time out playing with them in the woods !;):thumbup:


Ps. Now y'all stoppin with the knife talk and survival practicing, let me know what forum I can catch ya on....The knitting and cross stich forum maybe ?
 
Talfuchre said:
and most times could get away with a SAK.
Click to expand...

So true.

Talfuchre said:
Walking sticks. Love the look - don't need them. I have made a dozen and realize they are merely dead weight when I hike most of the time. I went with a no frills bamboo model and will likely only use it when I have a lot of elevation changes.
Click to expand...

Research trekking poles - they work

Talfuchre said:
Thru - Hiking the AT or PCT. For me, this is another great way to screw up a great view. When you BARELY have enough time to chase spring and end up in late fall in order to simply complete the trail - I have had to worry so much about mileage that it is not longer fun. My point is not CAN I do it - but can I enjoy myself doing it. I think cranking out 20+ mile days all spring/summer/fall sounds lame.
Click to expand...

True - it is about the journey. I think many get wrapped up in the mileage.



Talfuchre said:
I think for too long I have simply looked at magazines or books and thought how cool it would be to do some of this stuff - trained for it - and never realized that I didn't like it. I no longer want to simply acquire crap or knowledge for something I may never do and most likely would not like if I did it.
Click to expand...

A little like those people preparing for TEOTWAWKI. I don't know if I want to go that far either.

Talfuchre said:
I have owned a stack of custom knives, some of the best knives I could imagine when first getting into this thought process, and I realize now that many of them were for people that were not me who needed them for things I not only did not know how to do - but wouldn't have liked doing it had I known what to do. In other words, I bought knives that others made, dreamed about, or used without realizing what it was I wanted to do.

Many people, including myself at times, are not willing to substantially change their lives to make life as they dream it, a reality. I think 90% of the recreational purchases are pipe dream fodder rather than gear that actually will get used.
Click to expand...

Here is what I do - put down on a list of the things I think I might want. If I still want to buy it in 30 - I might; but usually I don't.

Talfuchre said:
I have to make my life in such a way that my gear follows my life style - not that I attempt to follow my gear because those I saw use it made it look cool. Bushcraft, I fear, for myself and for many, falls into that category. Ray Mears once had a dream - but we should not obsess about his gear unless that dream is also ours. Then, oddly, the gear is merely the means to fulfilling the dream - not the end.

TF
Click to expand...

As you said; gear you don't use is dead weight. You might like ultralite backpacking.
 
I will admit - some of the gear I have bought hasn't seen much use. However, most of it has been used. And all of the knives I buy I use. The gear that isn't used, though, I do intend to use, I just haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. There are just certain items that aren't needed all the time, that would be very useful when you actually needed them though.
 
Talfuchre said:
Many people, including myself at times, are not willing to substantially change their lives to make life as they dream it, a reality. I think 90% of the recreational purchases are pipe dream fodder rather than gear that actually will get used.

TF
Click to expand...

Too true. In fact they're willing to make excuses to avoid that adventure factor. It's sad how much they miss out on, really.. not being willing to step out of their comfort zone to do something new and exciting.
 
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