Do you have a stuff problem?

J

johnelmore

New member
I pulled into the VA and in the guard booth was this officer considerably loaded down with equipment. I wasnt sure what each attachment was for but it looked heavy and would probably be hard to move in. If there was a threat to the VA I believe moving quickly would be paramount rather then gear but I could be wrong as I am no expert on security at the VA.

I remember my days back in the military. They emphasized a lack of gear at that time. I remember they would go through each persons rucksack making sure no one was carrying extra gear. They wanted to make sure we could keep up with each other and not be weighed down. Fast forward to today and it looks like things have taken a turn in a new direction.

Just recently on the hunt I had just my rifle along with some extra rounds and a few water bottles in a smallish pack. Other people on that same hunt looked a bit different with all the doodads they would probably not need. In fact, I was able to outpace them despite being much older because I went light.

So Im wondering...does the overall shooting and professional community have a stuff problem?
 
It varies.
I have friends who (literally) take the kitchen sink, one even takes a hand-operated washing machine:eek:
Some others take a minimalist approach.
 
As long as folks don't ask me to help carry their stuff, I care less what they bring to the hunt. What bothers me more, are those that bring little or nothing and expect me to share.
 
For some folks, it's hard to pass up all those neat things that are advertised.
Then, to justify buying them, they have to figure out a way to put them to use, even if it's just packing them around.
As long as they don't need constant help pushing them up hills, where's the harm?
If they can't hack carrying their stuff, they can always do what the pioneers did - dribble excess stuff all along the overland trail.
Helps find the way home, too, like leaving bread crumbs.
 
Stuff problem?

I thought this was going to be a Seinfeld routine.

But now to the question at hand:

Look at some LEOs and their jurisdictions even though they mostly ride around.
They are loaded down. Yes, all the stuff they carry may come into play but how often and how much of it? One thing, in foot chases they sure are handicapped.
 
The youngest guy in our hunting group is our gadget geek. His pack is filled with assorted gadgets that are supposed to be the best. Other than his knife, I don't think he has had to use any of them. I would swear he carries a gallon of water with him also, but hey, I was young once.
 
johnelmore said:
I remember my days back in the military. They emphasized a lack of gear at that time. I remember they would go through each persons rucksack making sure no one was carrying extra gear. They wanted to make sure we could keep up with each other and not be weighed down. Fast forward to today and it looks like things have taken a turn in a new direction.
Click to expand...

Oh, definitely. That's totally a new thing. ;)
 
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