I can imagine a thread about money spent on canoe tripping gear and paraphernalia might be a downer if it felt like value wasn't achieved. Personally I hate the feeling when I buy something that winds up a total fail, either because I failed in the due diligence department, or because the product was a POS not worth the money spent. Which is why I do my best due diligence routine (she calls it my due dithering routine ) before I peel off any money from the printing press she thinks we keep in the basement. When the time finally comes to part with cold hard cash I feel moderately self assured I/we will receive fair value for my/our expense, so no downer there. And if the expense felt a little tingly and uncomfortable, I rely on my failing memory to come to the rescue and relieve me of any lingering downer doubts. And let's not forget the trust thing. I tell her everything, no secrets between us. I tell her exactly what I spent, on what and why. Right after I've spent it.
In all seriousness, we discuss any gear acquisition ideas, from chairs to paddles, tarps to sporks, and everything in between. The questions we ask ourselves are "How will this add to our tripping experience?" "How badly do we need this?" and "How easily can we live without it?" Money is a factor obviously, but cost is weighed against the answers of those 3 questions. That's where the personal value decision is made. And then we think and talk about it some more.
When I see our tripping gear neatly stored waiting for the next journey, and we don't have all that much compared to many of you, I don't see dollar signs.
I see endless lakes and meandering streams, quiet campsites and quieter portages, bluebird skies and howling storms, morning coffee and evening drams...
