Everything that I consider fun takes so much gear! Skiing, photography, backpacking, fly fishing, climbing, biking… All of this translates to an abundance of stuff. As I get ready to do a few laps at the hill tomorrow, I felt like venting about just how much gear it takes to do lots of alpine sports. Skis, boots, poles, outerwear (jacket and pants), good ski socks, base layers, gloves, goggles, helmet, camera, lenses, pack, water, etc. The list goes on and on. Fly fishing is the same way. You need a rod, reel, line, leader, tippet, waders, wading boots, flies (dries nymphs and streamers), strike indicators, weight, nippers, hemostats, net, floatant, polarized glasses, and a good hat.

However, that is part of the reason that I love all of the things that I do. I am a gear head. It is a problem. One of the most enjoyable parts of any sport, for me, is to get acquainted with the intricacies of gear.