When comfort gear hurts more than it helps
Ever bought a piece of gear that looked like it would solve all your trail problems, only to regret it once you were in the middle of nowhere?
That was me with a few years ago with thick sleeping pad that promised hotel-level comfort. I thought I was upgrading. In reality? I ended up colder, slept worse, and added pointless bulk to my pack.
Why? I’d ignored the R-value — the thing that indicates how warm it will actually keep you at night. Turns out, I’d paid for a plush pad with no insulation. Form over function.
And it’s not just sleeping pads. I’ve made the same mistake with:
An ridiculous ‘hydrogen fuel cell’ to recharge my tech
A “luxury” vest that never left my pack
And don’t get me started on the snowshoes that never saw snow
All of it seemed like it would add comfort. But it just added weight … and regret.
Here’s what I do now before buying anything:
My 3-Question Gear Audit:
What specific problem does this solve?
Is there a lighter, simpler fix I haven’t tried yet?
Will I still want this after 15km of uphill hiking?
This little system keeps my setup lean and intentional and my wallet happier.
🎯 Trail Tip:
If you’re unsure about a new gear item, run one trip without it. Track what you missed and what you didn’t. You’ll learn faster — and spend smarter.
Why this matters:
Buying gear that looks like a solution but functions as dead weight can derail longer hikes. The heavier your load, the harder the terrain feels — and the less you enjoy the challenge. Being strategic means going further, faster, and with more confidence.
Have you made a regret purchase that held you back on a big trek?
Hit reply and tell me - I read every email.
In the meantime you can check out the updated gear selection guide:
THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK
Thanks for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope it gave you something to think about (or pack for).
Until next week, keep exploring.
Mowser
Discover more. Hike further.
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