[pct-l] I'm being lazy..a few notes on a variety of topics

[Paul Magnanti]

SLEEPING BAGS: FWIW, I find the best way to stay warm in a sleeping bag is wear a light layer
of long underwear, have enough fuel in the stomach, be hydrated and WEAR A HAT TO BED (or even
better: a balaclava).

ZERO DAY: Another option is to take a "nero": Near Zero day. Camp outside of town a few miles,
get into town, get your chores done, grab a meal and then hike out again. 

TRACTION DEVICES: Yak Traxx, to put it technically, are crap. ;)

Though meant for trail running, this article gives a great overview for traction devices for lighter footware. 
http://mountainrunning.com/features/february_08/index.html

The only review missing is forin-step (4 pt) crampons. 
In-step crampons are a bit impractical for trailrunning and/or 
for some
lighter footwear.   However, if you use traditional boots,  the four pt.
crampons has proven to be a good option 
for hikers in icy, but
non-technical, conditions.

STOVES: My take on stoves:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/stove_comparison.html

LIGHTWEIGHT DOES NOT EQUAL FREQUENT TOWN STOPS
Why do people equate lightweight with frequent town stops?

My pet peeve on the whole "traditional" vs "lightweight" debate is that is too
fricken gear focused.  I simply enjoy walking all day. With light gear, I can indulge
in the simple act of walking. I backpack so I can hike. Sometimes I backpack
so I can camp (more wine this way! :D), but I honestly just enjoying
the hiking of backpacking more than the camping part.


With lightweight gear, I spent 10 days in the High Sierra w/o resupply. With lightweight gear, I spent
8 days in Wind River Range w/o resupply.

I love to spend time in the woods, not in town. LW gear lets me do that.

To quote the Navajo nation 
"As I walk, As I walk 
The Universe is walking with me."

Not..as I camp, as I camp. ;)

And by go light I *CAN* walk all day.



 ************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com