The need for the latest and greatest in outdoor gear technology has sat on man's right shoulder and taunted him for ages. All of us have fed this impulse at one point or another. I'm not saying you need to curb your appetite, I'm simply suggesting that you guide and direct it by taking appropriate considerations. Proper research and preparation should go into each outdoor gear decision. Start by choosing who you want to be as an outdoorsman. For example, are you strictly an ultralight backpacker, a trail runner, hunter, canyoneering professional, or the next up and coming extreme photographer for National Geographic? Whatever your purpose or goals, consciously choose your gear so that you can pack appropriately and be prepared for whatever you face. Lets discuss that first part: Purpose.

The purpose of your outdoor excursions will define both the necessity and the extent of the equipment you purchase or rent. Once you understand that purpose, you can determine your desired level of involvement in the activity. For instance, if you love scuba diving but only dive two to three times a year, it's probably not the best idea to invest in the latest rebreathing technology. Sure, its cool, but our need for the best equipment should hinge on our purpose and degree of involvement. If you only go snowshoeing once a year, you're probably better off renting than buying.

Here are a few guidelines for maintaining good perspective of your purpose in the outdoors - and yes, everyone has a purpose - even if it's just to appreciate nature. The easiest way to do this is simply to apply the five elements of examination: Who, What, When, Why, and How.

Who:

The people involved in your experience can determine the overall tone of your visit. Are you going to show someone else a place you've visited? What are their expectations? Are they prepared for the level of involvement you're expecting? What kind of extra gear will you need to share/procure to ensure that everyone in your group is well prepared?

What:

What is the motivation behind your outdoor experience? Are you using nature as a vehicle to get in shape, or are you looking for entertainment? What you want from the experience drives you to create the experience.

When:

Determining the season of the year and time of day of your outdoor experience is one of the best ways to sheds light on what you'll need. If you're visiting the Rockies in September, you'll probably want to plan for a surprise snowstorm. If you are backcountry skiing, its important to prepare with the proper safety equipment.

Why:

Why you're doing the trip is similar to what you want out of the experience. Identify what it is that you want out of your outdoor experience. Do you want an adrenaline rush, or are you looking for a spiritual experience on an isolated summit? Maybe you're just looking to breathe some fresh air and shed some stress. Why you're heading outdoors also deals a lot with the degree of involvement you plan on. Are you planning on an easy hike, or a difficult and remote hunting trip? Are you looking to push your limits, or relax?

How:

Understanding of Purpose + Preparation = Maximum Enjoyment of the Outdoors

Finally, how you go about realizing the purpose of your outdoor experience is largely due to the preparation you put into it. Knowledge of the area coupled with the appropriate gear can maximize your purpose. The degree of your involvement in the activities that you pursue will be needed to determine what gear you need. If you're truly committed to a specific activity and you plan on heavily involving yourself, for safety's and performance's sake you will need quality equipment. Many times, your experience in the field will greatly assist in what you are looking for in equipment.

In summary, it is essential to comprehend the purpose behind your desire for an outdoor experience. When you understand this purpose, you will be able to prepare for the event in a wise manner. The problem with many of the human disasters in the wilderness is that people don't understand the purpose of their visit, and consequently don't prepare to the appropriate level. You need to know the elements of backpacking, skinning, quartering, navigational skills, etc. Additionally, you need the gear that will aid you in achieving your purpose. It probably wouldn't hurt to keep a list of essential items for each of your most frequent activities. We will further discuss these items over time, so that each of us can enjoy the wilderness to its fullest extent. But for now, follow this simple formula and personalize it every time you get the urge to head off into the hills.