A recent, non-scientific survey found a high incidence of Gear Addiction Syndrome (GAS) among males. While incident rates were lower for females, for those afflicted, severity of symptoms were similar. While it probably won't make the next edition of the DSM, GAS can have significant, negative impacts for individuals. However, a review of related literature around the blog world indicates little attention has yet been paid to this serious condition. To date, diagnostic tools are few, and even more rare are evidence based treatment options. One article could never hope to provide a complete conceptualization, but it is hoped that this post can begin the conversation while simultaneously letting those who suffer from GAS know there are others like them out there.

For those suffering from GAS, the negative impact on life can be insidious, yet serious. More worrisome are couples where only one partner suffers from GAS. These relationships can suffer, as the non-afflicted partner is forced to choose between enabling the condition by pretending they don't notice the GAS, or struggle to confront the person about their GAS. Either option is often made more difficult due to the fact that most people don't recognize the condition in themselves. In an effort to help individuals diagnose themselves, or a loved one, the Global Assessment of Gear (GAG) tool is currently under development. While the psychometric properties are still untested, it does appear to have at least minimal face validity. Simply use the scale to rate yourself or another on the 1 to 10 scale. A lower score indicates higher GAS afflictions.

Global Assessment of Gear Syndrome (GAGS)

10: No thought given to gear at all

9: Pick up the occasional piece of equipment during a local big box sale

8: Occasionally daydream of gear

7: Happy to borrow a friends gear - thereby enabling their condition

6: Camping clothes are your casual wear

5: You categorize camping gear purchases as "family items" as a way of minimizing guilt

4: Maintain a Real Time Gear Wish List on Google Docs

3: Skip articles and read the ads in Backpacker and Outdoor Magazine

2: Treat REI.com as your own personal Home Shopping Network

1: You're treated like Norm from Cheers at the local outdoor store

It should be noted that individual scale descriptors are still under development, and may change as feedback is received from users.

Treatment

At this time, there is no known treatment. In addition, it is not known whether the onset of GAS is genetic, environmental, or some combination. Age of onset can occur anytime after around age 8. Historically, prevalence is slightly higher in males, but the percentages of each gender categorized as diagnosable has to started to even out more recently.

If you would like to participate in the ongoing development of the GAGS, feel free to indicate your, or a "friends", level in the poll in the upper right hand corner of the blog. If you have come across symptoms that you believe would make a better diagnostic indicator on the GAGS, feel free to suggest new items.