Rule 1Gear
The backup to the backup
If Kevin packs one of something, it is essential. If he packs three, experience was involved.
Kevin isn't the guy who knows everything.
Kevin is the guy who researches everything until a simple question becomes a project.
If you've ever compared 37 products before buying one, packed for every possible emergency, or spent longer researching the repair than doing it — you may be a Kevin too.
37 reviews read. Purchase still pending.Owns the tool. Also owns the backup tool.“Quick project” has entered day three.
Ask Kevin
Simple questions. Needlessly well-considered answers.
Do I need another flashlight?
Absolutely not. You already own six. However, Kevin has identified a critical weakness: none are optimized for finding the flashlight you misplaced. Recommendation: buy one more.
Should I buy a new truck?
Does your current truck work? Yes. Does it do the job? Probably. Do you still want a new truck? Also yes. Congratulations. You have discovered why trucks sell.
My wife says I overthink things.
Interesting. Kevin prepared a detailed analysis of the word “overthink.” Unfortunately, the analysis proved her point.
What tent should I buy?
Before answering, Kevin needs your budget, climate, hiking style, weight goals, zipper preferences, and emotional relationship with your current tent. You should probably buy the one you liked first.
How do I start hiking?
Step one: walk outside. Step two: ignore that answer because Kevin already created a 12-week hiking progression plan.
Is this tool worth buying?
Financially? Maybe not. Emotionally? Absolutely. There is a special satisfaction in owning a tool for a problem you have not encountered yet.
My GPS died. What now?
Remain calm. Check the backup GPS, backup battery, paper map, and then explain why carrying three navigation systems was considered excessive.
Repair or replace?
Kevin evaluates cost, time, skill, sentimental attachment, and whether repairing it gives him a legitimate reason to buy another tool.
What is the best knife?
The one you have when you need it. That said, Kevin has a spreadsheet comparing 47 options.
How much gear do I need?
Technically, very little. Practically, enough to make your friends wonder if you are camping or establishing a temporary wilderness headquarters.
Give Kevin Something to Overthink
Have a question about gear, projects, outdoors, life, or something that really should be simple? Send it in. Kevin may answer it. He will almost certainly make it more complicated first.
Ask Kevin a QuestionThe Kevin Rules
Hard-earned wisdom for gear people, project people, outdoor people, and anyone who has ever turned a $20 decision into a research assignment.
Rule 2Research
The $20 Purchase
Kevin can spend three hours researching a $20 purchase and still feel irresponsible for not checking one more review.
Rule 3DIY
The Weekend Project
Any project described as “a quick Saturday job” should be assumed to require two hardware-store trips and at least one new tool.
Rule 4Gear
The Wife Test
If your wife says, “Don’t you already have one of those?” you have reached the advanced stage of gear ownership.
Rule 5Research
The 47-Tab Rule
You are not overthinking it until the browser tabs become too small to read.
Rule 6Outdoors
Day-Hike Packing
A three-mile hike does not require gear for an unplanned overnight. Kevin respectfully disagrees.
Rule 7DIY
Read the Instructions
Instructions should be read before starting. Kevin supports this policy in principle.
Rule 8Life
Simple Questions
Never ask Kevin, “Which one should I get?” unless you have cleared your afternoon.
Rule 9Gear
The Better Version
The fastest way to discover a better version of something is to buy the version you researched for two weeks.
Rule 10Research
YouTube University
One tutorial is research. Four is preparation. Seventeen means you are avoiding the project.
Rule 11DIY
Tool Economics
A $12 repair becomes financially reasonable once the $180 tool needed to complete it can be called an investment.
Rule 12Life
Kevin Math
Saving $30 after six hours of comparison shopping is still saving $30. Labor is apparently free when it is your own.
Rule 13Outdoors
Navigation
Kevin trusts the GPS completely. This is why he also carries a map, compass, spare battery, and another GPS.
Rule 14Gear
One Good Knife
You only need one good knife. This statement has never resulted in anyone owning one knife.
Rule 15DIY
Measure Twice
Measure twice, cut once. Then stare at it for ten minutes because something still feels wrong.
Rule 16Life
The Garage System
Everything has a place. The problem is that Kevin occasionally redesigns the system and forgets to notify Kevin.
Rule 17Research
Review Analysis
Five-star reviews are suspicious. One-star reviews are probably user error. The truth is obviously hidden on page seven.
Rule 18Outdoors
Weather Preparedness
A 20% chance of rain means Kevin packs rain gear. A 0% chance means he wonders what the weather app is missing.
Rule 19Gear
The Emergency Item
The item Kevin removes to save weight will become the exact item everyone needs six hours later.
Rule 20DIY
Home Improvement Law
Opening a wall is not a repair. It is an invitation to discover three unrelated problems.
Rule 21Life
Retirement Hobby
A hobby is something you enjoy. A Kevin hobby eventually needs storage, specialized equipment, and a spreadsheet.
Rule 22Research
Best vs. Good Enough
Kevin understands the concept of “good enough.” He just needs to confirm there is not a slightly better option first.
Rule 23Outdoors
Camping Comfort
You can absolutely camp with very little gear. Kevin can also explain why that sounds unpleasant.
Rule 24Gear
The Backup Flashlight
The purpose of the backup flashlight is to help locate the primary flashlight. This is simply responsible planning.
Rule 25DIY
Hardware Store Rule
No home project is complete until you return from the hardware store with the thing you forgot while standing in the hardware store.
Rule 26Life
Advice
Kevin’s advice is free. The 40-minute explanation of how he arrived at it is also free.
Rule 27Research
Decision Complete
A decision is never truly final until Kevin has reopened the comparison one last time after ordering.
Rule 28Outdoors
Packing Light
Kevin packs light by removing three ounces from one item and then adding two pounds of contingency gear.
Rule 29Gear
Need vs. Want
Need and want are completely different things. Kevin has researched both extensively and purchased accordingly.
Rule 30Life
The Kevin Rule
If a simple problem can be solved in ten minutes, Kevin can usually make absolutely certain it was solved correctly in about two hours.
“I may not know everything. But give me internet access and 24 hours, and I will probably know more than I needed to.”
The Kevin Motto