I started out as a Boy Scout then did some military inspired backpacking, did some camping while bike touring in England and Wales. Then I read The complete Walker, the Thousand Mile Summer and was hooked for many years. Was life simpler then? How many of you started with a Kelty or Camp Trails external pack, Svea stove, nesting pots, and last but not least slept out under the stars? Maybe I will combine some of my hi-tech year with retro mindset and do like Colin did sleep out under the stars, have nesting pots, see what shape the old Kelty is in.