Comments on: Gear as lifestyle – Why is gear discussion so popular?

By: Mike "GoalTech" Irving

Mike "GoalTech" Irving — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:52:35 +0000

Mags,

Before I read any of your article I had the same thought. Gear talk helps to fill the time between what we really want to do which is hike. It’s a gap-filler. I think the other thing perhaps is that you can only bring so much hiking (love the Portlandia sketch though…particularly since I live in Portland) so that enables many people (who have a reasonable amount of resources) to get the very best of everything and actually afford it. There are not many hobbies/lifestyles that can be said for. It’s kind of fun to actually be able to buy the “best” things in the world for hiking and they all add up in total to say less than a few thousand dollars or so (including technology).

Although, some may say…”less gear, more beer”. I think I’ve heard that somewhere?! 😉

Great job on “The” Trail Show…love it!

Mike “GoalTech” Irving

By: Ned Tibbits

Ned Tibbits — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 13:57:57 +0000

Mags, great perspective and write-up, as always!

As you know we, as busy outdoor educators, are on the other end of the spectrum. For example, I don’t particularly care about the details of any piece of gear, just whether it works. Function and its practical use are my priorities. If something does the job, works from a practical perspective, and is durable enough to last, I don’t care about weight or price.

I spend about 150 to 200 days/nights per year out in the backcountry teaching wilderness safety skills to beginning backpackers and thru hikers, alike. It came to my attention this spring, while teaching in the North Cascades up by Harts Pass on the PCT, that my tents, sleeping bags, and winter shells are wearing out. Of course, I don’t have much of a memory for when I got things, so I asked my wife, who immediately told me, “Honey, Mountain Hardwear sponsored us with all that stuff 18 years ago!”

…the other side of the coin….

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 01:36:30 +0000

In reply to Todd. Todd, very smart to want t see what gear works best for you. aiming my article more at gear hobbyists: people who collect and discuss gear instead of actually getting out and using it. :) have fun on your hikes!

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:15:58 +0000

I think part of my own gear talk is because I’m new and still in the acquire stage. This crap is expensive and I’m tired of spending money on something only to realize it isn’t what I really wanted. Hopefully by hearing how others like something, how it is or isn’t used I can see if I really need it. You’re on to something about people talking about gear instead of getting outside.

By: tony

tony — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 05:04:28 +0000

Mags,
I would have to add that our materialistic society pushes us toward buying, wanting, discussing gear. It is blatant consumerism that has permeated all aspects of our lives. Why should backpacking be exempt? We would all do well to just say “No” to more stuff.
Tony
ps loved the Portlandia sketch

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 00:59:30 +0000

In reply to steve. Discussing gear is not bad in of itself, but when discussing gear and collecintg becomes the actual hobby, well...time re-evaluate it. :)

By: Neil N

Neil N — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 19:47:45 +0000

I completely agree – I can’t get on the river as often as I should, but I can tie flies in the living room every evening, stocking and restocking my boxes.

It’s a necessary ancillary hobby, but a sad substitute for the main pursuit.

By: steve

steve — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 19:19:51 +0000

Discussing gear is always good to get some ones view. This past weekend it was a new sleeping pad versus a new pair of hiking shoes. Ended up thinking I would get more use out of the shoes and could still get by on my 10 year old therma rest

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 20:56:26 +0000

In reply to Colter. Only a bit. ;)

By: Jeff Howel

Jeff Howel — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 18:44:44 +0000

Great article. I don’t think it only affects hikers, climbers, and such. I have a few friends who are golfers. They go through the same thing with golf gear – putters, shoes, balls, etc. Everyone’s buying the newest and best stuff. I think the same can be said for hunters and fisherman.