It's a simple concept. How would things change if you had only one of something?

one backpack,

one stove,

one knife,

one shelter,

one jacket?

I saw this question asked online recently by a friend and felt inspired to do something about it for myself. It beautifully summed up how I have been feeling about my backpacking gear and personal possessions of late. I have too much stuff. Most of it is not getting used. And I no longer have room for it all.

Quality over Quantity

Over the years I have advocated purchasing quality gear over cheap gear, saving your money and making shrewd purchases that will, hopefully, last you your lifetime. I like to think that I even practice what I preach, lord knows I have a lot of very good quality gear. Yet, at some point along the way I got wrapped up in seeking out those "great deals" and bought gear just for the sake of it, not because I needed it.

I've made up my mind. It's time to use the gear that I have, get rid of the things that I am not using, and stop collecting for the sake of having more. Using the gear is the easy part. Letting go of the gear that isn't being used and curbing my gear lusting and purchases will be much harder.

I've tried giving away my gear before. I ran into one hiccup. It was costing me a lot of money just to give it away. I have already made plans to donate a significant amount of my gear closet to local Boy Scout troops, but the more niche ultralight gear will be up for grabs to all of you - stay tuned...

Less is Better

I'm beginning to wonder if only having one of something will actually be more of a benefit than an inconvenience? Maybe it will force me to become more proficient with the few items that I keep and learn how to make them adapt to conditions they were not made for? Maybe I'll be less reliant on the gear and start developing and improving my own skills? It will certainly make picking my gear for any given trip much easier!

What Do You Think?

How often do we really need more than one of anything? Could YOU make do with only one of something?