Outdoor Gear You Thought You Needed (But Rarely Ever Use)

How to lighten your pack, your wallet, and your load of regrets.🎒 

If you’ve spent any time browsing outdoor gear shops or scrolling #campinglife on Instagram, you’ve probably been tempted by all the shiny, “must-have” tools and gadgets that promise to make your outdoor adventures better, safer, or more comfortable.

But let’s be honest: how much of that gear actually ends up being used out in the wild—and how much ends up stored away, gathering dust? 

Every outdoor enthusiast has been there. You prepare for a weekend hike or a week-long camping trip, thinking you need to bring every possible item “just in case.” Fast-forward to the end of your trip, and you realize you didn’t even touch half of what you packed.

1. Mega Multi-Tool Survival Kits

The promise: Be ready for any survival situation, with over 100 items packed into one sleek case—fire starter, fishing hook, saw wire, mirror, compass, foil blanket, and more.

The reality: If you’re not doing hardcore bushcraft, off-grid solo expeditions, or multi-day treks into deep wilderness, you’ll rarely need more than a basic first-aid kit, a lighter, and a decent knife.

Most survival kits are bulky, redundant, and full of stuff that’ll never see daylight. A streamlined version with hand-picked essentials tailored to your activity and terrain is more useful and way less annoying to carry.

2. Oversized Knives or Machetes

Unless you're forging a path through dense jungle or chopping firewood for a whole group, you probably don’t need a 12-inch blade strapped to your leg.

For hiking, backpacking, or casual camping, a compact folding knife or a simple multitool is more than enough to slice, prep, and repair. Leave the Rambo knife at home unless you’re heading into true backcountry.

3. Camp Showers

On paper, the idea of a hot outdoor shower sounds amazing. In reality, solar showers or pump systems are often a hassle to set up, heavy when filled with water, and difficult to hang in the right spot.

If you're out for just a few nights, baby wipes, a pack towel, or a dip in a lake (with eco-safe soap) will keep you fresh enough. Keep it simple, especially if you're not car camping.

4. High-End GPS Watches for Day Hikes

GPS watches are incredible tools—for trail runners, alpine mountaineers, and long-distance trekkers who need data on elevation, weather, and routes. But if you're doing casual day hikes or sticking to marked trails, your smartphone (with offline maps) is usually more than enough.

Many people buy these high-end watches expecting them to be game-changers, only to use them as glorified step counters. Know what you need before spending big.

5. Camp Furniture Overload

Folding camp tables, stools, ottomans, and even portable hammocks can be fun—but when you’re backpacking or moving from site to site, they add serious bulk.

One solid camp chair (like a lightweight Helinox) or even a sit pad does the trick. Nature already provides logs, rocks, and dirt mounds for resting. Save the luxury setup for basecamps or car camping.

6. Solar Chargers in Less-Than-Sunny Conditions

Solar panels look cool and seem like a sustainable way to stay powered—but unless you’re in the desert or hiking above tree line with constant sun exposure, they tend to underperform.

They also need time and the right angle to charge efficiently. For weekend trips or even 4-5 day treks, a good power bank is far more reliable and less finicky.

7. Overengineered Water Purifiers

There are water purification systems out there with UV lights, filters, batteries, pumps, and multiple stages. While these are great for extreme or international travel, they’re overkill for most local hikes and backpacking routes where you're sourcing from clean streams or lakes.

Squeeze filters (like the Sawyer) or simple chemical drops work just fine and are lighter, cheaper, and faster. Know your water source and match your filter accordingly.

8. Emergency Bivy Sacks (as Sleeping Systems)

Emergency bivvies are just that—emergency gear. They’re meant to save your life in unexpected situations, not to replace your sleeping bag or tent.

They’re noisy, non-breathable, and often make you sweat through your clothes. Carry one, sure—but don’t plan to sleep in it unless you absolutely have to. For ultralight trips, consider a proper bivy sack or minimalist tarp setup.

9. Backpacks With Way Too Much Capacity

The bigger your pack, the more tempted you are to fill it. First-time backpackers often go for 70L+ packs thinking they need space for “what if” items. The result? Overpacking and sore shoulders.

For most 1–3 night trips, a 40–50L pack is plenty. And if you practice ultralight or minimalist packing, you can get by with even less. Don’t let your gear list grow just to match your backpack volume.

10. 10-Piece Cook Sets

Unless you're planning a backcountry dinner party, you don’t need a full cook set with multiple pots, pans, ladles, and strainers.

Most solo or duo campers can get by with one pot, one spork, and maybe a lightweight frying pan if you’re feeling fancy. Stick to one-pot meals, dehydrated food, or snacks that don’t require cooking at all.

11. Trekking Poles (When You’re Not Actually Using Them)

Trekking poles are fantastic for steep ascents, river crossings, or when you’re carrying a heavy load. But a lot of people buy them, bring them, and never use them—especially on flat, easy trails.

If you haven’t tried hiking with poles before, consider renting or borrowing a pair first. Not everyone likes them, and they’re one more thing to manage if you don’t need them.

12. Bear Bells

These jingling bells are marketed as a way to warn bears of your presence. In truth, speaking, singing, or clapping does a better job. Some studies suggest that bear bells aren’t very effective—and in rare cases, might even spark curiosity in animals.

If you’re in bear country, carry bear spray, make noise with your voice, and stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t rely on a jingle to keep you safe.

🏕️☀️

There’s a thrill in buying new gear. And sometimes, it really is worth it—when the gear matches your activity, climate, and experience level. But if you’re finding your load heavier than your enjoyment, it’s time to reevaluate.

Before your next trip or purchase, ask yourself:

• Will I actually use this on this trip?
• Is there a lighter or simpler alternative?
• Am I buying this for real function—or just in case?

Dialing in your kit takes time, trial, and error. The goal isn’t to have all the gear. The goal is to have the right gear—so you can focus on the trail, the views, and the moments that really matter.