[pct-l] Bivy's, sneering

[Eric Lee]

Brian wrote:
> My own experience was that it wasn't the natural order of things; perhaps 
> I
> was just fortunate in the folks I hung out with, but my sense was that the
> types of people to get hung up that much about gear are the ones less 
> likely
> to still be on the trail after the first few weeks.

Ok, I guess I phrased my response badly, but this is essentially what I was 
trying to say: don't worry about what other people may or may not think of 
you.  You can't control it and it doesn't matter anyway.  Do what works best 
for you and hike your own hike.

I do think, after being on the PCT-L for a number of years and doing a 
number of section hikes, that there's a certain "pecking order" that tends 
to be imposed.  People with ultralight pack weights are assumed to be more 
experienced and smarter than people with heavy packs.  Thrus are assumed to 
be more skilled and dedicated than section hikers.  Of course, none of that 
is necessarily true and we're all better off if we get to know people for 
who they actually are rather than just lump them into categories.

I guess I was trying to say that yes, some people will glance at your stuff 
and make a snap judgment about who you are.  Too bad for them, and hurray 
for the folks who don't do that.

Eric