Understanding Gear Fear

Gear fear, also known as equipment phobia, is a common problem among outdoor enthusiasts. It refers to the fear or anxiety associated with using certain gear or equipment, particularly in activities such as rafting, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, and camping. This fear can manifest in many different ways, from mild discomfort to complete avoidance of certain activities. Gear fear is often clustered around particular classes of gear or commonly brands. This includes shoes, rafts, paddles, ropes, PFDs, helmets, thermal protection, or sleep systems. Often times this will manifest as an unwillingness to try new equipment even when manufacturers discontinue equipment after many years of production.

Causes of Gear Fear

There are several potential causes of gear fear. One of the most common is a lack of experience or confidence in one's abilities. This can be especially true for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of certain gear or the technical aspects of an activity. For example, a beginner climber may feel uneasy about using a belay device or a rope, or a hiker may feel anxious about setting up a tent or using a stove.

Another potential cause of gear fear is a traumatic experience involving that gear or similar gear. For example, a boater who had a nasty fall on a wet rock from a shoe losing traction, or a hiker who was caught in a sudden storm may develop a fear of camping in exposed areas.

Gear fear can also be caused by a lack of information or education about the gear in question. In these cases, people may be uncertain about how to properly use the gear or what to expect when using it. The piece of equipment may be entirely new and lack of familiarity of the applications or breaking limits of the piece of equipment can lead to avoiding that piece of gear altogether.

Regardless of the cause, gear fear can be a significant obstacle to enjoying outdoor activities. It can limit your development and experiences, and can even lead to injury if proper precautions are not taken. However, there are several strategies that can help people overcome gear fear.

Education

The first step in overcoming gear fear is to educate yourself about the gear in question. This can involve reading instruction manuals and online tutorials, watching videos, or taking a class or workshop. It is also important to understand the proper use of the gear and the potential risks associated with it. Manufacturers are a fantastic source of this educational information since they know precisely what the equipment is designed for. Often times manufacturers will have plenty of tutorials on what situations the equipment can be used in.

Training

Another important strategy is to practice using the gear in a safe and controlled environment. This can involve setting up a tent in a backyard or practicing knots and hitches in a park. It's important to take it step by step, building confidence with each small success, before moving on to more challenging or advanced use cases.

Working with a more experienced partner or mentor can also be helpful in overcoming gear fear. They can provide guidance and support, as well as demonstrate proper techniques and use of the gear. This will give you the opportunity to see the gear being used properly and confidently, which can be reassuring.

Acknowledge Gear Fear

It's also important to acknowledge and accept one's feelings of fear or anxiety when using certain gear. It's common to feel a sense of unease or nervousness when using new or unfamiliar gear. Instead of trying to suppress or ignore these feelings, it's important to acknowledge them and understand that they are normal. Additionally when you train it until you know it you can build confidence and experience through practical application while simultaneously knowing exactly how equipment is meant to be used.

In conclusion, gear fear is a common problem among outdoor enthusiasts that can limit one's abilities and experiences. However, it is possible to overcome this fear with the right education, practice, and mindset. By educating oneself about the gear, practicing in a safe and controlled environment, seeking guidance from more experienced partners or mentors, and acknowledging feelings of fear and anxiety, anyone can overcome gear fear and fully enjoy outdoor activities.