This makes me think of the "Hudson Bay Start". This was where voyageurs setting off on a long expedition would make their first camp only a short distance from the settlement. That way they could use all there camp gear and be sure nothing was forgotten, if something was missing then it was just a short paddle to retrieve it. I first heard about this method on a Ray Mears video filmed in Northeastern Ontario on the Missinabi River; I worked in that area 8 years ago it is a long paddle/drive to Chapleau if you forgot something.

The "Hudson Bay Start" is now used to discribe self-growth and business activities as seen here in this article.

My main way to not forget gear is my folder of Master Lists, but I have in the past lost the folder and that always troubles me.

Mike