[pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
Bryan Glovetsky
glovetsky at live.com
Sun Aug 22 13:13:40 CDT 2010
I learned my oudoor skills back in the dark ages as a boy scout, and so far, neither those skills nor the motto "be prepared" have failed me yet. Going light is good to a point, but there's a fine line to be walked between having a manageable pack weight and anticipating harsh contingencies, including, but not limited to, weather contingencies. Going excessively light can not only make for an unpleasant hiking experience, but it can actually be irresponsible if it leads to a hiker having to rely on others to pull his or her backside out of a perfectly common predicament for which said hiker was ill-prepared.
Bryan Glovetsky
Independence, CA.
> From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net
> Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 32, Issue 40
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:13:57 -0500
>
> Send Pct-L mailing list submissions to
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Talked to Tangent (Barry Silver)
> 2. Warning to SPOT users who don't want to renew (Cris J)
> 3. Re: Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
> (Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes)
> 4. Bishop to Duck Pass (Meridith Rosendahl)
> 5. Re: Weather considerations anytime/ a must read (Peter Shaw )
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:42:31 -0400
> From: Barry Silver <silverbarry at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Talked to Tangent
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <BLU122-W2400F3384137BF8FE075C7A2810 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> I am Barry Silver planning a 500 miler on horseback for 2011. Met Tangent, a thru
> hiker at Crater Lake last week. He was in great shape feeling good.
>
>
> silverbarry at hotmail.com
> 561-767-2828 new number
>
>
>
>
>
> > From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net
> > Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 32, Issue 38
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:00:02 -0500
> >
> > Send Pct-L mailing list submissions to
> > pct-l at backcountry.net
> >
> > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > pct-l-request at backcountry.net
> >
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> > pct-l-owner at backcountry.net
> >
> > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> > than "Re: Contents of Pct-L digest..."
> >
> >
> > Today's Topics:
> >
> > 1. Congratulations ! ! ! (Edward Anderson)
> > 2. Trail work Sunday - snoqualmie pass (tokencivilian at yahoo.com)
> > 3. Fw: Weather considerations anytime/ a must read (Edward Anderson)
> > 4. Re: PCT Completion (CHUCK CHELIN)
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:49:31 -0700 (PDT)
> > From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
> > Subject: [pct-l] Congratulations ! ! !
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Message-ID: <474889.6279.qm at web111614.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> >
> > I want to congratulate two people who, with patience and dedication over several
> > years, have accomplished hiking ALL of the Pacific Crest Trail.
> >
> > ????????????????????? Steel-Eye? and? Piper (Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes)
> >
> > I have enjoyed reading the pct-l posts from both people.
> >
> > MendoRider/Ed Anderson
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 2
> > Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:45:43 +0000
> > From: tokencivilian at yahoo.com
> > Subject: [pct-l] Trail work Sunday - snoqualmie pass
> > To: "PCT L" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Message-ID:
> > <2083459794-1282365943-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1003106972- at bda549.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
> >
> > Content-Type: text/plain
> >
> > So the date has been set, its Sunday. There is still time to come on out. Let me know via e mail by saturday afternoon if you want to join us so I can be sure to pick up enough tools and hard hats from the PCTA cache. I will e mail you driving directions to the trail head. Time is about 1:15 - 1:30 from Seattle.
> >
> > We will meet at 8:45am for paperwork and start the safety briefing at 9:00. The hike in is about 20 minutes. We will call it good and head out no later than 3:00.
> >
> > The part of the PCT we will work on has substantial brush to be cut, which will be the task for the day. Thru hiker sightings are a high probability as we had several through the work area last week.
> >
> > Hope you can make it out. Gatorade and cookies will await our return to the car.
> > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 3
> > Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:58:17 -0700 (PDT)
> > From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
> > Subject: [pct-l] Fw: Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Message-ID: <576035.70662.qm at web111607.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> >
> > Hello to all PCT hikers,
> >
> > This, from Ned,?is a "must read" for all PCT hikers.? Going UL is'nt necessarily
> > smart.? Adding a few pounds can make your PCT hike (or ride) both more
> > comfortable and safer.? I even bring along a solar shower - for showers and also
> > to provide the convenience of?running water with a faucet at campside. Mine,
> > which I have used for nearly 40 years, weighs just 12 ounces.? Piper (Diane)
> > mentioned one that only weighs a little over 4 ounces. I plan to check that one
> > out before my next ride. Both hold about 2 1/2 gallons of water.
> >
> > MendoRider/Ed A.
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Forwarded Message ----
> > From: "ned at mountaineducation.org" <ned at mountaineducation.org>
> > To: dsaufley at sprynet.com
> > Cc: PCT MailingList <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Sent: Wed, August 4, 2010 10:51:06 AM
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime
> >
> > Bad weather can hit any month of the year pretty much anywhere along the
> > PCT. Plan for the worst, hope for the best, carry what it will take to get
> > you through should things get bad, and know how to deal with it all so you
> > make sound decisions for a safe trip.
> >
> > I realize that we all strive for the lightest packs on our journeys and that
> > is good, but don't go without the training (experience), knowledge
> > (realistic understanding of the reality of the trail), and requisite gear to
> > get you through come what may. I know we romanticize the next hike,
> > believing that it will be beautiful, warm (not too hot), no bugs or bears,
> > and, hopefully, no nasty lightning storms, and therefore expect to
> > experience the same, but the reality just isn't that way in many cases.
> >
> > Who would have known that this June would bring another snow storm to the
> > southern sierra and night time temps still in the teens? Without having gone
> > in there ahead of time to check it out, who would have expected that the
> > snow level in May was at 9000 feet and not rising because of lingering cold
> > temps and two more snow storms?
> >
> > This summer has played out much the same unpredictable way. We have had
> > frequent rain and lightning storms. The snow level is still lower than we
> > have grown accustomed to over the past twenty years for this time of year
> > (hikers are still saying that they are wallowing through snow en route to
> > Muir Pass). Creek crossings are still dangerous for the month of August.
> > There is still lots of melting snow up in Desolation as is indicated by the
> > high drainage creek visible at Horsetail Falls above Twin Bridges off
> > highway 50. This is August?
> >
> > So, plan to experience all the high sierra can throw at you, learn how to
> > deal with it before you get caught by surprise on-trail, and bring suitable
> > gear and clothing to get you through comfortably, warm, and dry. Yes, your
> > pack will be heavier, but you can rest assured (peace of mind) that you'll
> > be ready.
> >
> > Some folks think it a challenge to go as light as possible, but what others
> > don't know is just how much comfort or safety they were willing to sacrifice
> > to achieve that pack weight. Yes, a light pack is more comfortable and can
> > make for an easier trip, but what if something happens that you are not
> > prepared for? You can't assume that since it is summer you will not have to
> > deal with getting wet or cold, for example, so bring rain and cold weather
> > clothing, just in case (unless, of course, you don't mind getting wet and
> > cold because you believe it will not be for an extended period of time).
> > Sure some early explorers travelled with only a blanket and matches (or
> > something like that), but they may have dealt well with cold and hunger,
> > knowing what to do about it out in the wilderness without having to carry
> > extra gear or food, but not everyone today can do that or is willing to.
> >
> > Know the conditions that occur where and when you want to travel and plan
> > for them by taking what is necessary, minimizing weight as much as you can.
> > Going without isn't what we would call "common sense."
> >
> >
> >
> > Ned Tibbits, Director
> > Mountain Education
> > 1106A Ski Run Blvd
> > South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
> > ? ? P: 888-996-8333
> > ? ? F: 530-541-1456
> > ? ? C: 530-721-1551
> > ? ? http://www.mountaineducation.org
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "dsaufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> > To: "'Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com'" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>;
> > <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 10:05 AM
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] How much of (calif) section A-F is do'able in January
> >
> >
> > > Piper is spot on, as are the others.? Weather in winter and spring in So
> > > Cal
> > > is a wild ride.? My only add to the discussion is that the WIND, which can
> > > be brutal, is another consideration, along with the possibilities of snow
> > > or
> > > storms interspersed with fabulously beautiful weather.? You can plan on
> > > experiencing just about every range of weather, you just can't plan on
> > > when
> > > you'll get what.
> > >
> > > L-Rod
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> > > On Behalf Of Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
> > > Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 8:54 PM
> > > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > > Subject: Re: [pct-l] How much of (calif) section A-F is do'able in January
> > >
> > >
> > > On Aug 3, 2010, at 3:48 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> > >>
> > >> I'm hoping to be a thru in 2011...? but in dropping said hint at work,
> > >> getting that much time off in one piece might not be possible. So
> > >> instead of
> > >> a "true thru" (Apr->Oct, Mex->Can), my plan B would be a "thru in a
> > >> year",
> > >> ie, do pieces or all of A-F in January and March, and then pick up
> > >> in early
> > >> June where I left off. So, my question is: when does winter come to
> > >> the
> > >> south? When (nominally) does Baden-Powell become snow covered; or
> > >> asked
> > >> differently: what parts are still doable (meaning trail walking, not
> > >> snowshoe'ing) in January, and again, in March?
> > >> thanks - TheDuck
> > >
> > > You might consider a plan C which is to do as much as you can in the
> > > time you have and not worry about whether it's the whole trail.
> > >
> > > In my opinion as a life-long So Cal resident, at the elevations
> > > you'll be at, you won't be able to do much of So Cal in January or
> > > March. You could probably do Section A and the beginning of Section B
> > > in March. You may also be able to do some of Section E, but probably
> > > not the part in the Tehachapi mountains. It may be possible to do the
> > > same pieces in January if it's a warm, dry January. But the rest of
> > > So Cal will have snow and some sections are very dangerous (such as
> > > Baden-Powell and San Jacinto). People die there or get rescued with
> > > serious injuries all the time.
> > >
> > > So your question: when does winter come to the south? Whenever it
> > > wants to, but generally between November and April. So Cal isn't all
> > > sunshine and bikinis by any means. You'd be surprised at the number
> > > of people who drop out of their hikes in So Cal because the weather
> > > is just too extreme.
> > >
> > >
> > > Books I've written:
> > > ~ Piper's Flight
> > > ~ Adventure and Magic
> > > ~ Santa Barbara Hikes
> > > http://stores.lulu.com/dianesoini
> > >
> > > We're not here for a long time, but we are here for a good time
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Pct-L mailing list
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> > > __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
> > > signature database 5340 (20100804) __________
> > >
> > > The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
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> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-L mailing list
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> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 4
> > Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:11:35 -0700
> > From: CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Completion
> > To: PCT listserve <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Message-ID:
> > <AANLkTi=UrXWwyFOUJB81PxxHwoDMXJjduELE1qNu2ETM at mail.gmail.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
> >
> > Good morning, all,
> >
> > Thank you one and all for your gracious comments congratulating me ? and
> > Piper ? upon our recent completions of the PCT. As gratifying as completion
> > certainly was I apparently made a strategic error in making the
> > announcement. Through the many long years I?ve contributed, pontificated,
> > harangued, and preached in PCT-L discussions, readers may have been lead to
> > believe that I?m an experienced thru-hiker, a repeat thru-hiker, or even a
> > triple-crowner. With my recent *mea maxima culpa* that the trip required 45
> > years I must have totally blown my cover. Now the truth is out: It took me
> > 45 years to accomplish what reasonable thru-hikers achieve in 4.5 months.
> > Grim?. Mine is a rate of less than 60 miles per year; 856 feet per day. Not
> > only did I have time to ?smell the flowers?, I had sufficient time to
> > observe how fast the grass was growing.
> >
> >
> >
> > Compared to me, Piper?s average speed was simply astounding. Considering
> > that I began the hike probably before Piper was born, and she finished ?
> > slightly ? before me she?s a real piker in the slow-walk world. Regardless,
> > congratulations to Piper ? AKA ?Piper?s Mom?s Daughter? ? on her eminently
> > faster progress.
> >
> >
> >
> > Steel-Eye
> >
> > Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT ? 1965
> >
> > http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> >
> > http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
> >
> >
> > On Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 2:22 PM, james green <jagwrightwoodpct at gmail.com>wrote:
> >
> > > Congratulations! That must be a phenomenal feeling of accomplishment! One I
> > > hope to have one day.
> > >
> > > On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 9:06 AM, CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>wrote:
> > >
> > >> Good morning, all,
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> I am very pleased to announce that I completed my section hike of the
> > >> entire
> > >> PCT at approximately 07:30A, 10 August 2010, when I reached the
> > >> California/Oregon border northbound. This completed two portions of the
> > >> trail that had eluded me: the two fire closures from the ?08 season ? one
> > >> in
> > >> the vicinity of Quincy and Chester, and the other between Etna Summit and
> > >> the Oregon border.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> The kindness of Piper?s Mom significantly facilitated my hike of the
> > >> Quincy/Chester section, both at the beginning and the end.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> With me at the Cal/Or finish line was So-Jo (Sojourner) with whom I had
> > >> hiked since Etna Summit, and who?s thoughtful and considerate nature I
> > >> came
> > >> to greatly appreciate. After the obligatory Yee-Haahs were spouted and
> > >> the
> > >> photos were snapped I backtracked to Seiad Valley to catch the bus, while
> > >> So-Jo continued her NoBo journey.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> This adventure began in 1965 when, during a 20-mile hike of a section of
> > >> the
> > >> old Oregon Skyline Trail (OST) north of Crater Lake, I decided to ?
> > >> eventually -- hike its entire length. Subsequently, the OST was
> > >> officially
> > >> absorbed into the PCT so I expanded the scope of my aspirations
> > >> accordingly.
> > >> I have now hiked every mile of the official PCT at least once. A few
> > >> sections I?ve hiked only once; some major sections I?ve hiked 2-3 times;
> > >> some shorter sections nearer to home I?ve hiked literally hundreds of
> > >> times.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> The scenery of the PCT is significant, but available: I can view my
> > >> photos,
> > >> I can watch the ?Class-of? DVDs, I can watch travelogues, and I can even
> > >> revisit features or sections if I wish. What is ephemeral and can?t ever
> > >> be
> > >> recaptured is the camaraderie of the fellow hikers that I encountered; the
> > >> amazing support of Trail Angels; and the help of considerate citizens whom
> > >> I
> > >> didn?t know ? and will likely never meet again. That I can't relive or
> > >> revisit. I can?t begin to repay them for the benefits I?ve received -- I
> > >> can only pass on the goodwill to hikers who follow after.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ?Life is just a collection of memories, and memories are like starlight ?
> > >> they go on forever.?
> > >>
> > >> Lyrics by John Denver
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Steel-Eye
> > >>
> > >> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT ? 1965
> > >>
> > >> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> > >>
> > >> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > >> _______________________________________________
> > >> Pct-L mailing list
> > >> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> > >> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> > >> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> > >>
> > >> List Archives:
> > >> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-L mailing list
> > Pct-L at backcountry.net
> > To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
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> >
> > List Archives:
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> >
> >
> > End of Pct-L Digest, Vol 32, Issue 38
> > *************************************
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:46:39 -0500
> From: Cris J <cj5w4wd at live.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Warning to SPOT users who don't want to renew
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <COL113-W53149E5256FAF008888C7FCF810 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> If you do not intend to renew your subscription, you must contact them and cancel. They have sneaked in an automatic renewal that they will charge you and it is a whopping$162.93!!!
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:52:51 -0700
> From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> <FF2219A4-DE29-4B3B-9515-E0FC02EA19D6 at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> These are the statements that equate lightweight backpacking with
> being ill-prepared, uncomfortable and cold, or mistake it for not
> bringing any gear at all. There are older topics where it's been
> asserted that you'll be colder with a lighter bag and less
> comfortable without whatever other stuff.
>
> On Aug 21, 2010, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> > bring suitable
> > gear and clothing to get you through comfortably, warm, and dry.
> > Yes, your
> > pack will be heavier, but you can rest assured (peace of mind) that
> > you'll
> > be ready.
> >
> > ...
>
> > how much comfort or safety they were willing to sacrifice
> > to achieve that pack weight.
> >
> > ...
> > Going without isn't what we would call "common sense."
>
>
> On my last trip I brought my 20 degree bag, foam pad, a down jacket,
> a wind-breaker, rain chaps, umbrella, polypro tights, two shelters
> (one for bugs, one for rain and privacy), a bear canister, enough
> food for 6 days, a pot, cozy and spoon, a change of clothing for
> after the hike, toiletries to clean up during and after the hike,
> extra socks, two warm hats and one sun hat, two musical
> instruments...the works. My pack fully loaded was 19lbs including the
> food. I was not cold, hungry or uncomfortable and was not lacking in
> proper equipment with the exception of matches. (I didn't remember
> esbits being so difficult to light, won't use them again.)
>
> Because my pack was light, I was able to cover a lot of ground each
> day in comfort, I never rest-stepped up the passes, I just walked
> normally like a day hike. It was wonderful. I also had enough energy
> to walk over to VVR and buy some lighters and enjoy a burger and beer.
>
> Used up one whole lighter to light two esbits. I'm sticking to alcohol.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:45:43 -0700
> From: Meridith Rosendahl <meridith.rosendahl at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Bishop to Duck Pass
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net, Diane Soini <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>,
> CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
> Message-ID: <4C714627.1040002 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> >> The only problem I had is that with the skirt and
> sandals and my tiny pack, as I skipped up the trail, I think I
> intimidated too many people. Hiking is supposed to be rugged,
> dangerous and hard, right? And here comes this little fat lady
> wearing a skirt and sandals and the next thing you know she's half a
> mile of switchbacks ahead of you singing and skipping?
>
> >>Anyway, a toast to Steel-Eye as we have both finished the PCT! Now I
> can get my patch.
>
> >>Diane/Piper
>
> Silly girl. Piper's definitely not fat, and she's a strong, fast hiker in any crowd. Three Cheers to Piper and Steel-Eye for completing the PCT!
>
> Piper's Mom
>
>
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:13:57 +0000
> From: "Peter Shaw " <shawonpct at msn.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
> To: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes "
> <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>, "pct-l at backcountry.net "
> <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <SNT126-DS29F55E9F759642ED1A766AE810 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-15"
>
> Regarding your comments on Esbit, I think your Esbit tablets must have aged and degraded for them to be that hard to light. I used Esbit every day last year on my thru hike and one lighter was more than enough for the complete trip. Some days I had three hot meals. The only time I found the Esbit tablets were difficult to light was when I couldn't shelter them from strong wind. For those few occasions I carried a very small bottle of alcohol and a small squirt was always enough to light them instantly. The alcohol bottle (maybe 2 ozs when I started) was 3/4 full when I finished. I have four different stoves (Esbit, alcohol, white gas and isobutane) and the Esbit would be my first choice for any long hike.
>
> Peanut Eater
> Sent via BlackBerry from Peter
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:52:51
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read
>
> These are the statements that equate lightweight backpacking with?
> being ill-prepared, uncomfortable and cold, or mistake it for not?
> bringing any gear at all. There are older topics where it's been?
> asserted that you'll be colder with a lighter bag and less?
> comfortable without whatever other stuff.
>
> On Aug 21, 2010, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> > bring suitable
> > gear and clothing to get you through comfortably, warm, and dry.?
> > Yes, your
> > pack will be heavier, but you can rest assured (peace of mind) that?
> > you'll
> > be ready.
> >
> > ...
>
> > how much comfort or safety they were willing to sacrifice
> > to achieve that pack weight.
> >
> > ...
> > Going without isn't what we would call "common sense."
>
>
> On my last trip I brought my 20 degree bag, foam pad, a down jacket,?
> a wind-breaker, rain chaps, umbrella, polypro tights, two shelters?
> (one for bugs, one for rain and privacy), a bear canister, enough?
> food for 6 days, a pot, cozy and spoon, a change of clothing for?
> after the hike, toiletries to clean up during and after the hike,?
> extra socks, two warm hats and one sun hat, two musical?
> instruments...the works. My pack fully loaded was 19lbs including the?
> food. I was not cold, hungry or uncomfortable and was not lacking in?
> proper equipment with the exception of matches. (I didn't remember?
> esbits being so difficult to light, won't use them again.)
>
> Because my pack was light, I was able to cover a lot of ground each?
> day in comfort, I never rest-stepped up the passes, I just walked?
> normally like a day hike. It was wonderful. I also had enough energy?
> to walk over to VVR and buy some lighters and enjoy a burger and beer.
>
> Used up one whole lighter to light two esbits. I'm sticking to alcohol.
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> End of Pct-L Digest, Vol 32, Issue 40
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