Gear-Related Memories

Does your gear bring back memories of people, places, and things when you use it?

I pulled out my newest wool blankets last night and, as I aired them out, I was reminded of George and Kerri Hedgepeth because they were the folks who not only told me about the quality and value but because they were there during the entire time I first used those blankets to pad the ground and keep me warm.

This wasn't a, "Huh, remember George and Kerri?" type of memory. It was a flood of sights, sounds, and experiences so strong that I immediately called George on his cell so I could tell him. I got the latest information on Briar Patch's schedule for the coming year which hasn't even been posted yet.

It's this flood of memories which makes it so difficult for me to part with my gear. A Swedish Army Trangia isn't just a mess kit/cookset any more. It's a constant reminder of my first outing into the woods. It brings back thoughts of the many times it put warm food into my frozen body while I was out in some of the nastiest weather you could imagine.

Thinking about the list of gear that provides me with such strong feelings I see a very International representation:

• The Trangia from Sweden


• Swanndri from New Zealand


• wool blankets from Germany


• basha from Great Britain


• Arborwear shirts from the US

I'm sure the list could go on and on but these are just a few examples to give you some idea.

I hope you have a chance to get out there and create some gear related memories of your own.

Thanks for reading,


B