View Full Version : Kitaholics Anonymous
"Hello, my name is Womble, and I'm a kitaholic..."
Every now and then I check up on what stuff I've got, and get a little worried when I realise I'm thinking about getting more. For instance:
Sleeping bags:
2 one season (one regular, one compact)
2 three season (one regular, one compact)
1 British Army Artic (admittedly 20 years old)
1 fleece liner
1 silk liner...
And I'm considering getting another Army bag (latest model)!
Tents:
1 french army goretex bivvy bag
1 one man (pro action)
1 two man (Wolfskin termite 2)
1 three man (Blacks Solway)
1 five man superdome
1 Hennesy Hammock (WITH hex-fly)
Cookers:
1 Trangia
1 Coleman mountain stove
1 Campinggaz 2 ring stove (very poor)
And I've seen a really nice compact stove at the weekend.
At least I've only got 3 sheaf knives...
Oh yes, and a small forrest axe...
And, er, a billhook...
Oh yes, all those pen knives...
...help!
Hmm, sounds familiar....
Started off with everything fitting in one 75L pack, then also on top of the wardrobe, then also the top section of the wardrobe as well, and now one half of my cupboard too...
Three assorted sleeping bags with another in the post.
Three tents.
A hommock.
One bivi.
3 packs.
3 puukus.
5 SAKs.
1 chinese piece of ****.
1 Wetterlings.
1 gollock.
1 machete.
1 leuku to be ordered...
1 newton to be ordered...
AAAAGHHHH!!!!!!! It's catching!!!
Know exactly what you mean here! I often think I need to hire a bushcraft feng shui consultant to help me 'steamline' my kit list ... has been commented by friends that I have an awful lot of stuff for someone who supposedly enjoys 'roughing it' !! Though of course, I never take EVERYTHING out with me ... all the more reason to stick to the basics, perhaps?
Perhaps we should form a new 'AA' - accessories anonymous?
G ;-)
Crikey...you're just like women with shoes
(excluding myself from that particular stereotype...of course!)
:o):
Don't get me onto shoes ... ! I have actually managed to bore several of my female hiking friends rigid with talk of the latest boots - quite an achievement for a fella! Almost proud of myself ... :wink:
G
Far be it from me to criticise Ginja, be proud...be very proud!!
(Did I mention how much I love my new Britisth Army poncho?) :shock:
giancarlo
19-10-2004, 11:57
Think Adi and Stuart will be standing up in here soon.... ;)
At least Womble and I have an excuse for so much kit.
We both teach. Him - the Scouts. Me - friends...
Half my kit is scheduled to be borrowed by a friend when we do a walk in Ireland next year. Can't wait. (Just need to get fit...)
C_Claycomb
19-10-2004, 13:01
I don't know about Adi, but Stuart sort of transends normal Kitaholism, in an effort to never carry more than will fit in two PLCE side pockets he has blagged, borrowed or...:tapedshut: :roll: just about every bit of kit that can be thought of. Its pointless showing him your latest exciting aquisition, he will have had one, for free, 6 months ago, found things wrong with it, and moved on to a superior product :banghead: :rolmao:
Since I make knives it isn't fair to count...I have something like 18 :roll:
What is really worrying for me is that "bushcraft" is just the latest in a line of interests, all of which needed full kitting out. Now my kit fills my room, the spare room, my room at my parents', part of the garage, part of my parents' garage, and the corners of my living room.
"...he will have had one, for free, 6 months ago, found things wrong with it, and moved on to a superior product..."
probably made of titanium! :o): :o):
Little Mole
19-10-2004, 13:45
Don't get me started on shoes. I have very wide and big feet and find it very hard to get anything comfortable unless I go to men's shoe shops. Currently wearing British army assault boots. They're actually quite comfy.
I am NOT a kitaholic...... I am NOT in denial....... I dont want to talk about it
I'm not a kitaholic because I can quite anytime.
Anytime. :icon_eek:
MartiniDave
19-10-2004, 14:38
I am Not a kitaholic! I haven't bought any kit for hours now!
I could give up, I just don't want to so there! :nana:
I'm now a closet kitaholic since I got married, when I was single I used to get lots of shiney things, had more than 40 knives, incuding the Alan Wood Woodlore and the WS micarta. Sleeping bags would change with the season, from Mountain Equipment, Snugpack, Isuued ones and now Nanook. I still see so many things that I really really need but am trying to stop myself from buying them, although I have just ordered myself a Ventile windshirt from Hilltrek and a couple of T shirts from Tony so I'm not doing too badly. It's not just women who need retail therapy you know!
i'm not a kitalholic either... i'm broke !
OK, OK, I have a problem :roll:
I am a serious kitaholic, my biggest problems are my knife and clothes fettish.....
I have several high tech jackets, wind blockers to keep the wind out, goretex jackets which keep out rain but do not vent as well, softshells which keep most of the wind and rain out but do allow ventilation. I have two layer and three layer goretex, heavy weight TNF jacket, middle weight Berghaus and lightweight Arc'teryx. Now, I have decided I need a ventile jacket (I will post pictures soon). I have enough tops to dress a full mountain expedition, from wicking to windblocking, from cotton to merino wool. It's sickening :o):
I would list my knives, but there is not enough space on the board to hold the list. Allready I know I need more.......as a colleague on knifeforums said :"must have shiny things".
It's all very ZEN, "through greater suffering comes greater enjoyment"
By attempting to rough it in the bush or in the mountains, we get to enjoy our shiny things and posh appartment even more. By having more, we feel even closer to nature when we go without.
Gotta love the human mind!! Trust me, it's something primeval.
Lennart
i'm not a kitalholic either... i'm broke !
I'm broke too, but if you read my first post in this thread, you'll know why...:lol:
We used to call them "gear freaks" and yes I am one. Main problem is that I can't resist a bargain and there are plenty of bargains if you look hard and long enough :nono:
We used to call them "gear freaks" and yes I am one. Main problem is that I can't resist a bargain and there are plenty of bargains if you look hard and long enough :nono:
Especially when some smart ****** goes and puts a link in the Resources section. <Slopes off quietly before the arrows fly...>
I'm broke too, but if you read my first post in this thread, you'll know why...:lol:
Ahhh, the Credit Card, a devoted Kitaholics TRUE friend, don't surf without one :D
damh_bard
22-10-2004, 12:47
When I went on the Woodlore Fundamental Bushcraft course, the motto was "Carry less by knowing more". The thing is when I left the course I had so much more stuff that when it started! It was their fault.... When they set up their little stall.....with stuff to sell.....they MADE me buy it....
And no wonder people invented the match, when you have to carry a bow drill set :rolmao:
Peace
Damh
My name is taz, and i'm a kitaholic. But its not my fault. everyone keeps making better shiny things (mmm shiny things) and since going on line they are too easy to find. :shock:
mmm shiny things.
Maybe i will give up the shiny things tomorrow. :?:
ok ok i admit it i'm a kitaholic but i will stop when i have one of everything or the wife take's away the credit card but now there is hope as i have you guys to help me :dedhorse: :hug:
We can help Grumit...I suggest a Barclay Card, or perhaps some other leading brand with a low interest rate...go on...you know you want to...
:yikes:
i have hsbc but they dont stop you buying they want you to spend more nasty peaple :rolmao:
TheViking
22-10-2004, 20:22
I'm kinda kitaholic! :o): But mostly on small kit and parts. Things that fit in a possibles pouch. :wink: Not all those big stuff like sleeping bags, mats etc. (although a sleeping bag is nice :o): )
Little Mole
22-10-2004, 20:56
My kit is designed for comfort and lightness. I must be able to move freely at all times. I'm a bit accident prone ...damn, Great Pebble is calling me to the pub. I'll be back with my list of essential kit later I suppose.
If you're going to the pub, chances are the essential kit list would have grown quite considerably by the time you get back!!
:o):
I am NOT like you people. My bushcraft kit
*1 sheath knife (well 3 but but but...)
*swiss tool
*mess tins
*tent
*cheap plastic tarp
*1 pair of boots (ok 2 if you count the sandles, but I dont)
*sleeping bag
*ok I have a few other knives but not really for bushcraft
*2 backpacks one 50litre and one 30litre
*fire stick
*other litle bits
How do I do this I hear you ask, simple I wanted an F1 so I sold my last sheath knife to pay for it. I also borrow bits
Must admit if I could go for walks in woods I'd get some J Adams wood carving knives
Especially when some smart ****** goes and puts a link in the Resources section. <Slopes off quietly before the arrows fly...>
:nana: :rolmao: :rolmao: :rolmao: :rolmao:
Squidders
23-10-2004, 18:58
I hear you can buy "kit patches"... they are similar in design to niquotin patches but adhere to you wallet, preventing entry. :wink:
I personally am looking forward to monday because it's pay day and other than a new motorbike I have lots of items on my "must have" list.
I do try to only have one of everything... other than things like shoes. but I get one of something, then I see something better, or hear of something better or... well, you all know the score!
I am being good with blades though, I have 2 small pen knives, 1 machete, 1 small forrest axe and a Gene Ingram on the way and that's it.
Lycanthrope
25-10-2004, 00:18
I feel obligated to say
"My online persona is Lycanthrope......and I'm a kitoholic"
I get into new things easily and then spend a fortune on them.... I've got climbing gear, surfboard, tents, rollerblades, the list goes on my poor wife does lots of this :roll: when I announce that I'm into some new hobbie.
I'm hoping that getting into bushcraft will be cheaper than the other things I've been into as all the kit is in the woods right?.....right? :shock:
Oh hang on...
Sack £40
Sleepingbag £40
mess kits £8
knife £35
ax £10
waterproof clothing £80
maps £12
compass £15
outdoor wear £40
Three different Bushcraft books £40
etc
Getting into the wilderness and finding the one piece of kit you need you didn't buy - Priceless......
well it is to your mates if/when you get home safe and tell them down the pub why you didn't sleep or eat or be dry for three days or whatever.
:?:
Think Adi and Stuart will be standing up in here soon.... ;)
:rolmao: :You_Rock_
I am NOT a kitaholic...... I am NOT in denial....... I dont want to talk about it
Me too ... anyway, there's no such thing as a kitaholic ...
Me too ... anyway, there's no such thing as a kitaholic ...No dear. Of course not. :wink:
(Does that make me a co-dependent kitaholic? :shock:)
anyway, there's no such thing as a kitaholic ...
I agree totally, it is higher social awareness, in the event that we need to kit out the whole town, then we have the equipment to do it :wink:
tenbears10
26-10-2004, 08:04
Ok I've watched for long enough...... my name is Bill and I am a Kitaholic.
There I've said it. Feels good to share it with like minded people.
My two main vices are jackets, I love goretex, Barbour, Buffalo, Swanndri oh and Neil1's old ventile which is great. Not to mention 2 down jackets for winter. Everytime I buy a new one I see something else not long after that would do another job perfectly.
And the second is rucksacks and bags most of them are Karrimor but it has been very difficult to stop myself getting a Macpac and my new snugpac rocket pack is only just different enough to justify.
I have ordered a few knives so those numbers will be swelling soon as well.
Ebay is also my downfall, so many bargains.
There is no hope
Bill
Ebay is also my downfall, so many bargains.
There is no hope
Bill
Yeah, you get something on the cheap, which gives you spare money from what you'd budgeted so you see that nice new item on evil-bay and put a bid in, and you get it cheap so that knife may as well be bid on, and you get it cheap and so...:lol:
I can't believe Ray Mears hasn't joined up. Has someone emailed a link of this thread to woodlore for him?
Mattsteel
26-10-2004, 11:09
Andy's turning me into a kitaholic.
We went into town once to get (can't remember exactly what i went for?), but i came back with a new Storm Shield Xpedition tent.
your the one that just asked me to get you two knives. (you owe me money man) IIRC correctly we went in to get something for you dad. I was buying something but I can't remember what
Hi All,
Here goes:
3 knives (SOG/Helle/Brusletto)
2 lock knives (SOG/Opinel)
3 Tents (TNF/Macpac/Vango) 1 to 2+ persons
4 Sleeping bags (2x ME/Macpac/TNF) One for each season
3 Tarps - different sizes
5 stoves (2 Trangia/2 MSR/Swedish Army set) - MSR's for emergency powercuts
4 pairs of boots - for seasons/terrain conditions
4 rucsacs (3x Lowe Alpine/Macpac) 20-80 litres
1 axe
1 hennessy hammock
2x down jackets
3 waterproof jackets
Assorted other items.
Thankfully I have no credit card to upset my missus anymore :-) . I have to save up :cry: hard, but good for me.
Trying to appreciate what I have and make what I have do what I want, rather than giving in and buying the latest new thing. I'm hoping to find new homes for some of my surplus gear, so send me a PM if you're on the scout for something - I might have 'one in stock'!
cheers
I have a weakness when it comes to outdoor kit. I have
6 rucksacks (at least)
5 stoves
3 sleeping bags
5 tents
2 tarps
2 ponchos
3 gore tex jackets
M65 jacket
5 SAK's
6 sheath knives
4 multi tools
numerous pen knives and folders
5 compasses
.... finally there are optics - binos, telescopes, monoculars 3 of each
I think I still have room for more of everything - just need to find the pennies.
Cheers
JFW
arctic hobo
27-10-2004, 22:41
I'm weaker than a baby! I do not know the meaning of 'willpower' I have just bought myself the most gorgeous pair of Scarpa SL boots in the world... £150 I didn't have - the credit card approaches it's limit... :cry:
My kit is so extensive now that I give it away and bribe my friends with it to come on expeditions "oh g'wan, it's a good bag, and all I'm asking is three weeks of hell!". Sadly it works less and less now (they've learnt!).
It's silly - Bushcraft to me is all about doing a lot with nothing at all but what we find... but I've spent so much since I got into it (about age 14) it's ridiculous!
i had a bit of a kit sort out the other weekend, oh dear...
the biggest disapointment of being a kit freak, is when you go to your local high street outdoor equipment retailers, and you realise they have nothing you want :yikes: :?:
cheers, and.
possesing kit is not the problem...it's being possesed by kit that troubles me. If I ever moved house I would have to hire a team of sherpas.
possesing kit is not the problem...it's being possesed by kit that troubles me...
<music from "Ray Mears World of Extreme Excorcism" starts up and a bed of embers is formed at the base of Tumpers neck as their head starts spinning around>