Buying gear in “sets”.

I've seemed to develop a habit of buying whole sets of new gear. And, it's just too much.

I've got my set that I bought for the PCT (3 pound pack, two pound tent) a solid bad weather lightweight setup.

I've got an ultralight set (one pound pack, one pound shelter).

I've got my work stuff (heavy as all hell) chosen for storm worthiness and durability.

And I've got a half a dozen other choices for each that I can pick from.

I'm gearing up for the CDT next year and I find myself buying a whole new set. It's my "ideal" setup for that hike. I justify it because the golite pack is a little too little for the food and water weights I'll be carrying. The gatewood cape is a little too small. The rain jacket is a little too sucky (because it's so light). Etc, etc, etc….

I have PLENTY of gear that's the gear of choice for some CDTers. Clearly I can hike with little new gear. And yet, I'M BUYING A NEW SET AGAIN.

I'm a gear junkie, but not in the way I once was. I no longer like buying gear. I no longer lust for any one item. Nor do I think that gear is cool. In fact, I dislike buying gear. I already have so much of it. And I spend thousands of dollars a year (typically) on new schwag. So my lust for gear has evolved in to a sense of being compelled. I think that it's largely a factor of information overload. Knowing so much about what the options are might have lead to the habit of buying in sets. Systems work well. There is always a different ideal for the conditions. and on and on…

I could take my Jam2, my ultralight rain gear, my gatewood cape, and the rest of my ultralight setup and be perfectly fine. But I'm not. I'm likely going to spend another $1300 on gear.
Anyways. END RANT.