On the other hand, we have essentially lost some useful and interesting technologies - like carbide lamps. Carbides are a really neat item, providing both heat and light and the definite ability to get a fire going.

I was introduced to them when I began caving back in the 1950s and I was soon using them as my principal light source on night hikes, including SAR operations which I began about that time.

Carbides do have their foibles and a learning curve is involved in becoming proficient with them. Mine are now basically museum pieces becasue of the difficulties of obtaining and storing fuel in a fairly humid climate, but there is really no one modern item which fills the niche they occupied.

Most of my gear is a blend of new and old, like my 1951 US Army Mountain Cook set and my titanium mug. I have clothing more than twenty years old which still functions quite well. If it works well, don't worry about its age....