[Dorobuta]

Been going through my stuff and thinning the herd. I have a lot of military surplus style clothing and am finally getting rid of most of it. I have a huge Rubbermaid container full of old hunting clothing I've accumulated over the years.

I've been steadily buying newer stuff because of the new technical fabrics that are available. I own a fair amount of Sitka, Under Armor, Nomad, and a few other brands of camo gear. They cannot be beat for light weight, strength, wind blocking, heat retention, and water proofing.

They are expensive, but worth every penny. The right layering systems and the right gear can make a huge difference. I'm a firm believer in Merino wool for a base layer.

There are some really good versatile patterns out there as well.

Don't go cheap on gear, buy once cry once. If you spend any serious time in the wild, you will be glad you did.

 

[Garand]

Like you I have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, as for clothing, what I got 25 years ago has generally shrunk in the dryer. Someone is always building a better mousetrap and these new items are worth investigating. I do agree that spending your money wisely and buying kit that is durable and flexible is smart, after all there are no prizes for those that are ill prepared or follow the cheapest route and buy junk.

 

[Dorobuta]

Like you I have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, as for clothing, what I got 25 years ago has generally shrunk in the dryer. Someone is always building a better mousetrap and these new items are worth investigating. I do agree that spending your money wisely and buying kit that is durable and flexible is smart, after all there are no prizes for those that are ill prepared or follow the cheapest route and buy junk.

The trick is being smart about buying new gear. It's a lot like fishing lures, designed more to catch fishermen than fish.

Everything I do is around a three week trip in the woods, even though my typical is two weeks. And then I try to get stuff that works multi-season, multi-terrain. But I do have some stuff that is better suited for the woods than the desert, and vice-versa.

I'm finding coyote brown for packs and bags is a good choice, as when worn with camo clothing seems to break up and disappear reasonably well.

Funny how stuff shrinks over time, though I'm pretty close to being back in fighting shape. (ok, I can dream) Youth is clearly wasted on the young.