[pct-l] temps

[Bob Bankhead]

Ernie offers good advice. Use your common sense.

No one wants to carry more weight than they must, but bear in mind that knowledge weighs nothing. As your outdoor skills, (and more importantly, your hands-on outdoor experience) expand, your gear kit can safely decrease in both bulk and weight. You will have a good idea as to the limits of each piece of gear and all the possible combinations thereof, be watchful for and able to recognize the signs of on-coming weather, and be able to better evaluate the limitations of the topography around you. This knowledge will tell you when it's safe to continue, time to hunker down where you are and let whatever it is pass, or to just "get the hell out of Dodge" before you get stuck someplace incompatible with the gear you're carrying. UL and SUL gear imposes certain restrictions that can often be ignored with little risk by those who carry everything but the kitchen sink.

Go slow with your gear changes. Take your time learning. The very best UL kit that money can buy in the hands of a rank amateur who, out of ignorance, inadvertantly puts themselves in a real-life hazardous situation is a prescription for disaster.

Whoever dies with the lightest pack on still looses.


Wandering Bob



-- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ernie Castillo 
  To: bill at burge.com ; pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 4:55 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] temps

  A word of advice. Life on the trail can be rough and tough. You never know what the weather will do. In my humble opinion, it is better to travel heavy and be prepared for foul weather than to travel light and wish you had a map, or shelter, when you get caught in an unexpected storm.

  So do what is right for you. If you are concerned about weight, then look at all options.
  Plan. 
  Ponder.
  Ask questions.
  And once you get on the trail, live with your decisions and enjoy the trip. You will always have the option at re-supply points to ditch items, or add items.