Skip to main content

[Camping] Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.): When Prepping Becomes the Problem

Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.): When Prepping Becomes the Problem

For many outdoor enthusiasts, the anticipation of a camping trip is half the fun. Scrolling through breathtaking trail photos, dreaming of campfires under starry skies – it’s pure escapism. Yet, lurking beneath this wholesome excitement is a surprisingly common pitfall: Gear Acquisition Syndrome, or G.A.S. It’s that relentless, often irrational itch to buy more equipment – the marginally lighter tent, the supposedly warmer sleeping bag rated for Arctic extremes you’ll never visit, the fancier stove with features you don’t need – even when your current gear functions perfectly well for your actual adventures.

G.A.S. subtly hijacks the joy of preparation, transforming it into an endless, often online, pursuit. Hours vanish researching microscopic weight differences in backpacking chairs, comparing specs of water filters you already own, or browsing stores convinced the next purchase is the magical key to an effortless, picture-perfect wilderness experience. The gear itself, frequently expensive and highly technical, becomes the obsessive focus, overshadowing the simple act of being outdoors. That $500 ultra-light jacket? It might still be dangling tags in your closet while your trusty, slightly heavier one sits ready and capable.

This syndrome thrives on powerful psychological triggers. There’s the gnawing sense of perceived inadequacy (“My kit just isn’t good enough compared to what I see online”), potent social comparison (“Everyone on the trail forum has the new model”), and the seductive, expertly crafted promise of marketing that links gear directly to happiness and status. The temporary dopamine rush from a new purchase is undeniable, offering a quick hit of excitement. But it’s fleeting. Soon, the cycle inevitably restarts, fueled by fresh reviews and influencer hype, leaving you with closets and garages full of specialized, barely-used equipment and a significantly lighter wallet. Crucially, all this consumption rarely translates to more nights spent actually sleeping under the stars.

The irony is thick and undeniable. Camping, at its heart, celebrates simplicity, resourcefulness, and direct connection with the natural world. Yet G.A.S. traps us in a cycle of modern consumerism and clutter, ironically weighing us down mentally and physically before we even shoulder the pack. The antidote requires conscious honesty. Rigorously audit what you truly use and need for your typical trips. Embrace borrowing or renting niche items for rare excursions. Challenge the narrative that the perfect, constantly upgraded kit is essential. Focus less on acquiring the ultimate setup and more on simply getting out there, embracing the inevitable imperfections of real-world camping. Remember, the most memorable campfires are built on shared experiences, resilience, and camaraderie, not the latest titanium cookware. Resist the siren song of unnecessary gear, and actively reclaim the genuine adventure that truly matters.

www.farizal.com


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rumah Kebun Camping Ground, Hulu Langat

  Exclusive Camping at Rumah Kebun Camping Ground, Kg Sg Semungkis, Hulu Langat, Selangor. Standard site 1,2,3,4,5&10 Premium* site 6,7,8,9 & 11 FACILITIES: Each site comes with a 30 x 15 feet common tent comprising the following :  • shower with hot water  • changing area with vanity top, mirror and wash basin  • WC  • raised timber platform 10 x 8 feet  • table top  • ceiling fan  • power socket  • wash basin  • BBQ pit with parasol  • Bonfire pit  • Clothes line  • Stand pipe  • Car parking bay – 2 bays per site *Premium site incl of sleeping tent + mattress, pillow & blanket. Premium site rental from RM500. Standard site rental from RM200. . For more info visit: http://instagram.com/rumahkebun.campingground . RKCG - Rumah Kebun Camping Ground Kg Sungai Semungkis,  Bt 14 Jalan Hulu Langat,  Selangor Darul Ehsan . . ⭐⭐⭐ . . . ...

Review: Kershaw Shuffle II - The Ultimate Camping Companion

Kershaw Shuffle II - The Ultimate Camping Companion    When it comes to camping, having a reliable knife is essential, and the Kershaw Shuffle II Folding Pocket Knife truly stands out as the best choice.  Here’s why it’s a must-have for every camper:  Design and Durability:  The Kershaw Shuffle II features a robust and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The blade, constructed from high-quality stainless steel, offers exceptional strength and edge retention. This means it can handle tough cutting tasks without dulling quickly—a critical feature when you’re out in the wild.  Versatility : This knife is a multi-functional tool. Beyond its sharp blade, the Shuffle II includes a flathead screwdriver and a handy bottle opener. These additional tools make it incredibly versatile, streamlining your camping gear by combining multiple functions into one compact device.  Compact and Portable:...

Buah Tampoi - Baccaurea macrocarpa

The exotic jungle fruit 'Buah Tampoi', also known as Larah or Kapul, are botanically known as Baccaurea macrocarpa, is a small, tropical rainforest fruit native to Southeast Asia, especially Borneo.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B1iP8sInE9i/?igshid=1uzg82xhw2qqb * The fruit is large, orange-skinned, with white or yellow flesh, are sweet with a delicious tangy flavour somewhat like mandarin (tangerine).  * Tampoi fruits are available all year-round with a peak season in the winter and early spring months. * In Malaysia, the tampoi fruit has flesh that resembles a mangosteen but it is unrelated and part of the Phyllanthaceae family.  * Tampoi fruit are a good source of beneficial phenols and flavonoids and contain carotenoids. The flesh provides high levels of antioxidants. * The tampoi tree is dioecious, and the female trees bear fruit directly on the trunk and large branches.  * Tampoi fruits are eaten fresh, and can be added to st...