Perceived Need Does Not Constitute Gear Choice

The function of marketing is to convince consumers to buy something they don't need.

You see, if a consumer really needs something, then they will buy it without any influence at all from marketing.

Let's take this one step further in the context of selecting items for the pack you'll carry on a wilderness journey.

Whose gear list are you using? Who's dictating the need to carry all ten essentials? Who is influencing your decisions to make gear choices for a particular trek?

The "who" really does not matter. The fact that you are influenced by perceived need does: the need for safety, the need for comfort, the need for good food, the need for roomy shelter, etc. The list of needs goes on and on ... and on.

My point is this.

If we are to pack our packs based on perceived needs, we'll always overpack in an effort to meet those needs.

Second, if the source of our needs is external and influenced by others, rather than effectively prioritized from within (i.e., intrinsic goals and objectives), then you must consider that your objectives might lack ... purity of purpose.

And isn't purity of purpose one of the glorious rewards of wilderness travel?

Or perhaps, of life itself?

Pack less, be more: let the purity of your purpose - not the perceived need - dictate what you put in your pack.

Comments

[samh]

Reading another blog today I found some words atop a fellow thru-hikers "My Gear" page that are perfectly fitting to this post, Ryan.

From 'Suge':
You can generally recognize experienced long distance hikers from new ones by the amount of time they spend talking about gear: The more time, the less miles. The less time, the more miles. If that seems unfair, consider that it could just be because people with miles under their shoes have a gear system worked out, where as those new to the hobby are still learning what might work for them.