I have been watching many videos and articles written by a wide range of people. Some experts some not. Personally, I think most miss the point of the Advice they are giving. They seem to have forgotten that most of us, if not all of us , even the ones of us that do not go outdoors and enjoy the experience, Are ALL different. Each of us is unique in ourselves. We may have the overall common joy of the outdoors. Whether camping, hiking fishing, hunting etc. We wander aimlessly about just enjoying the outdoors. Bird watches will watch birds, Campers will camp, Hikers will hike. That’s why they are outdoors. Its what THEY enjoy about the outdoors. They each have their own reason for being outdoors. They maybe a hiker, along with many others who like to hike. However, HOW THEY choose to hike or enjoy THEIR PERSONAL passion in the outdoors will differ from others within that particular outdoor activity.

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The saying “Each to their own” comes to mind. I can almost guarantee, if you gathered 100 outdoor solo campers who enjoy the same solitude of the outdoors alone. Asked them to join you in the outdoors and show you whats in their packs, not one will be the same. Every single one will have something none of the others have. What is it, who knows !.

THEY chose to bring it with them for THEIR OWN personal reason. It could be a simple comfort item, a specific cooking utensil or a favorite candy, what ever they brought along it is a PERSONAL Choice.

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And that’s my point. When giving advice, they (experts or who ever is giving the advice, including me!) should be considering this one VERY IMPORTANT factor. We are all unique.

Yes I know, People doing reviews of items will recommend it as the go to item for what ever task it performs. Some do it for the money, (a percentage of they sales they generate ), or because they feel its PERSONALLY the best thing since sliced bread they have, and just want to share that with you. No problem I understand. Some will say its a MUST HAVE, no I don’t think so. Sure, it may be perfect for someone. But there are typically 10 others that perform the same task, that may be better suited for others.

Here I am getting myself into a tight spot. So I will say this. Its a necessary evil. Most of us will suddenly find that we need a specific item for us to perform a specific task that we want to do. That’s when you go looking, the reviews are a great way to fine that some thing. If we are lucky we fine the perfect item for us. Sometimes not. But WE make the CHOICE.

I wish that the experts, And there are many out there, Would be less specific in what WE need, and be a little more general.

Let me give an example.

For most serious campers and outdoor types we have all heard of the “10 C’s list” by Dave Canterbury. Personally I think this comes pretty close to being the perfect “advice list” for the outdoors. Here’s why.

Its a list period!, A list of what you should have with you, in order to be able to survive in the outdoors for 72 hours. It is very general in its way. Nothing is specific as far as the perfect item on the list. The list consists of (in order of importance) the TASKS you need to perform in order to survive in the outdoors for a certain period of time should you find yourself in an unplanned happenstance. For example, Having a cutter is on the list, If not the first item. Along with the advice of having a cutter, the list explains the tasks it will need to perform for you in order to survive. That’s it.

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It does not say you need this particular cutter. It basically says, YOU need a CUTTER to PREFORM certain TASKS for YOU. And then lists the tasks you need to perform. The beauty of this list is it leaves YOU to decide what cutter you need to perform the tasks. It assumes you know your strengths and weaknesses in performing the task. And knowing that, YOU will get the cutter you feel is best suited for you to perform those tasks.

And that folks, is what makes this this one of the best GENERAL ADVICE LISTS out there.

I feel pretty strongly about this. To the point of not reading or watching a video that says this specific item is the best choice for me. I do still watch and read advice on lists. For example a column that lists 10 Knives you can use in the outdoors in a survival situation. NOT the 10 BEST knives, just a list of 10 knives that will perform the tasks.

ITS PERSONAL for me, I know my strengths and weaknesses in the needed tasks, and what I will need in a knife, to be able to perform those tasks. That to me is far better advice, rather than this is the best knife for you.

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OK! just MY PERSONAL feeling on the subject. You may or may not agree, But that’s you your PERSONAL choice.

So with that in mind, Here my latest look at MY PERSONAL choice of camping backpack. And whats in it. Interested to see “whats in the bag”. And why, Check it out, Its just got all the things I feel “I NEED” when camping. Hopefully it will give you some food for thought.

Be safe out there.

Remember Knowledge is a survival Skill, how YOU CHOOSE TO USE IT it is your PERSONAL choice

The Novice Survivalist

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