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Choosing Your Gear
- Will it help to keep you warm, dry, hydrated or safe? If the answer is "yes" to any one of these, then I suggest that you consider bringing it.
- Will you actually use it? If the answer is "maybe" or "probably not" then I suggest that you consider leaving it at home.
- Does it portage easily? If you cannot pack it in something or lash it to something, then you may find that it is more hassle than it is worth.
- Use a checklist! Many camping stores and websites offer a checklist in PDF for various forms of outdoor activities. Your checklist will be a hybrid of one of these lists and your own personal necessities.
With so many fantastic outdoor products available, it can be a daunting task to separate the "must haves" from the "nice to haves" and the "really don't needs!" I have found that there are relatively few "must haves." Personally I feel that your gear should consist mainly of the "need to haves" and one or two "really don't needs!" For example, nobody needs to bring a book, chair, camera, art supplies or coffee, but we all have something that will contribute immensely to our enjoyment of the trip. I suggest that you find that thing and bring it!
