I've been going crazy lately buying more "stuff" for the kits. I just got a new compass, some more knives, a new gear bag, and a couple Luxeon LED flashlights. My garage is getting full of survival, hunting, and fishing gear. Ugh!!!

Seems like there are a lot of good deals to be had out there lately. I suppose that's why my money and I are parting. Normally frugal, I still have memories of last year's elk hunting trip, and although I never got lost or anything, the conditions were harsh enough to keep survival notions keen in my mind. Also, the pack on my back was letting me know I'm not getting any younger, either. I am contemplating the "Less is More" philosophy more often I find. Amazing how much energy I was willing to waste in my youth, and how much I try and conserve now. Also how much more I appreciate the beauty of nature now than I did as a teen. Time flies.

Its all fun and games until the bank account gets hurt. I had had to set down and make a gear buying list schedule to keep myself under control. I start a spreadsheet with a list of gear I want and why and the price and a schedule of when I can buy it. Kind of started doing that with all my gear now, been getting organized and keeping inventory now since I kept misplacing so much stuff. Now on those sheets I have schedules as well.

Amen to that. My kit used to weigh a lot more, but I got tired of having an aching shoulder. Then I started leaving my kit at home because it was so heavy. Now I'm lightening my load.

>>I am contemplating the "Less is More" philosophy more often I find. Amazing how much energy I was willing to waste in my youth, and how much I try and conserve now.<<

I hear you. The older I get, the less patience I have with any gear that's heavier than it absolutely needs to be. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"It's amazing how much "mature wisdom" resembles being too tired." - Robert A. Heinlein, Notebooks of Lazarus Long