I seem more gear-obsessed this time of year. Is it the warming weather and the trips getting closer?

It just seems like I HAVE to buy something right about this time of year. No self control.

I bet I'm not the only one.

Guilty! Whether it's for canoe camping, in the camper at state parks, or being up on our land (just purchased last year so still new and NEEDING "stuff" up there)- I'm addicted to MORE gear!

School welding program made rocket stoves for a competition - guess who HAD to get one of them. Bought a hammock and under quilt to try something new. Purchased a new pop up canopy for camper camping. Been on the cookware thread and agree with a post that says I don't need anything - but I WANT IT! Looking at a steel carbon pan to buy.

So yes, you have company in that sickness!

I usually buy new gear in the fall when the memory of what was missing, worn out, or broken is still in my mind and when some of that gear goes on sale. However, I am so stocked with gear now that I don't buy much anymore.

I tend do more gear purchases in the fall and winter as I think about replacements for things that broke/wore out. It’s nice at that time of the year to be doing something related to the next summer’s trips. And then in the spring I like to take the new gear on a short trip close to home to test it out.

Yes - Feb-April is usually the time I end up buying more gear. New paddle, new pack, new tent, new canoe...seems that something gets picked up every spring.

I plead guilty. There is always some gadget or item on sale that I can justify using/buying. Last year it was new down sleeping bags.

Absolutely- I’m relentlessly looking at ways to cut weight, more efficient items, or even new and improved concepts of gear. Always looking to improve the ol gear room.

Question - What do you do with the old gear.

I have learned the gear is just a tangible representation of the adventure that I really crave. It has taken a way, way over crowded gear closet with redundant stoves, cookware, knives and shelters to learn this. Maybe wiser? Maybe just too old to get as excited about the stuff?

I am a couple canoe repairs from getting on the water this week but I expect that once I'm paddling it will begin to scratch my itch.

Nice replies, all. I actually had a hammock rip open on me in the middle of the night last summer in the BW so I just replaced that.

On the gear forum someone just brought up Fry Bake pans again so now I'm obsessing.

Usually I replace stuff that is broken down like the hammock. But this time of year is when I get out of cabin fever mode and start panicking about wait times one gear orders....

Nice to see I'm not the only one.

pastorjsackett: "I seem more gear-obsessed this time of year. Is it the warming weather and the trips getting closer?

It just seems like I HAVE to buy something right about this time of year. No self control.

I bet I'm not the only one. "

If you can wait until Spring to shop for gear that sounds like good self control to me. I bought a used boat over the winter during a blizzard. And oddly enough for me the urge to buy a motorcycle is always strongest in late Fall or early Winter...maybe I'm just trying to extend the active season. Now that Spring is here my gear is in regular use again and I don't plan to sacrifice any paddling for shopping.

I'm glad you consider my situation one of "self control." My wife may not agree.

But I do understand the desire to go earlier. Sometimes I can't get gear I want because I wait too long. I think mostly I'm just excited to trip and antsy to get the process started.

I always have a list of what needs to be upgraded or replaced. Sometimes I'll do it as soon as we return, but it's usually when I'm packing for the next trip, as I am now.

My new quilt from Enlightened Equipment came yesterday. I paired it with my new Superior Gear Hammock and passed out inside this warm little cloud right in the front yard. Beautiful.

Also since it was my birthday I scored a weight for my rucking pack and a pair of hip boots!

There is always “better”, “lighter”, more functional, better working gear to be purchased :)

If you don’t think that…I don’t know what’s wrong with you :)

I would replace your word “NEED” with “WANT” LOL.

Trying to be funny of course… to answer your question…YES…many of us suffer from the same affliction… age and time have made my self control better…slightly.

The good side is though a lot of the gear is really good. If you upgrade you can often sell your old stuff. Sometimes with inflation, I’ve sold my old gear for more than I paid for it brand new but way cheaper than it is new now. So both the seller and the buyer get a good deal. Then put the old gear sale towards your new gear. At least that’s what I tell my wife ;)

T

Hahaha that's nice.

I think it's mostly cabin fever for me...I'm so antsy to get going!

Lifted from someone wittier than I:
"I am not a needy person,however, I am very WANTY."

I over bought over the years, so I have a lifetime supply plus a little extra.

Pinetree: "I over bought over the years, so I have a lifetime supply plus a little extra."

I do hate it when you buy gear over the years and maybe gear is much better now or it was not what you thought it was, so it sits in storage piling up.

I’ve had a bunch of those “need to buy something” moments every Spring. The point to which that the day after Easter is now my annual day of going through gear that I need to sell. I guess I’ve had one too many years in a row where I bought stuff in the spring.

In this year’s sell list will be sleeping pads, kitchenware, Garmin InReach Mini, lamps, tools, fishing gear, etc etc etc. Give me about a week and I will have it all listed.

scottiebaldwin: "I’ve had a bunch of those “need to buy something” moments every Spring. The point to which that the day after Easter is now my annual day of going through gear that I need to sell. I guess I’ve had one too many years in a row where I bought stuff in the spring.


In this year’s sell list will be sleeping pads, kitchenware, Garmin InReach Mini, lamps, tools, fishing gear, etc etc etc. Give me about a week and I will have it all listed."

Right location I could see one big swap meet and get together.

Now you're talking! Love that idea. I wonder how we could make it a reality...

It is crazy how this gear frenzy starts around the last Thursday of January...

For me it’s the “what’s new”? Is there a better version of something I own that perhaps is on its way out that needs to be replaced? Wink wink nudge nudge, know what I mean?
That fry bake pan is still on my list.