[pct-l] who pays?

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

Hi, Gary,

We could get into the debate, ultra-light vs. ultra-ready, but reasonable 
caution is what we preach to all our students. Then they can decide how they 
want to go for themselves.

Many think we're fear-mongering while some see the sense of it. When your 
safety and comfort are at risk, as they are for those in the Sierra right 
now, even though such conditions may not occur ( in the mountains, where the 
weather is always changeable, you can't expect ideal conditions all the 
time), when they do, you're ready to handle it if you prepare for the worst.

Each hiker has to decide for him/her self what is important and valuable to 
carry. The problem seems to be that they do not know what to prepare for, 
don't believe they need to (based on the probability of adverse situations 
ahead based on the reports of others), and are influenced/inclined/motivated 
by the current ultra-light trend.

Hiking as light as possible is always better, but be aware of what safety 
and security you're giving up and the subsequent consequences that may 
befall you should conditions change beyond what you can handle with what you 
have.

You're not ranting, just encouraging future hikers to go into their travels 
with their eyes open.

Mtnned


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Schenk" <gwschenk at socal.rr.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] who pays?


> On Thursday 04 June 2009 12:38:43 Bill Burge wrote:
>>
>> I'm cold.  I'm geared for _mostly_ other weather; and some of the
>> OTHER weather rolls in.  My last weather report was days ago and THIS
>> wasn't really a part of it.  A quick dusting of snow and the trail is
>> obscured and the features of the landscape go "shades of grey" with
>> snow and clouds making navigation confusing.  I'm pretty sure I'm off
>> the trail or, at a minimum, I don't feel I can find my way.
>>
>
> For me, this is a perfect example of where the ultra-light ethic preached 
> by
> so many falls short.  Seldom mentioned in the proselytizing is what 
> happens
> when it hits the fan.
>
> People heading out to cross a 4000 meter pass in the spring with gear that 
> is
> barely adequate for good weather seems problematic. How many PCTers have 
> died
> from exposure? I know of at least one on San Jacinto a few years ago.
>
> Pardon my rambling.
>
> Gary
>
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