[pct-l] Gear Weight Whac-A-Mole

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, all,



Whenever I read arguments in favor of old-time, heavy weight hiking gear I
feel moved to offer an alternative, ultralite opinion.  Sometimes the
freighters argue for tall, five-pound boots; sometimes it’s brass-and-steel
gas stoves; and sometimes it’s large, full-featured double wall tents.
  Fortunately,
I haven’t yet seen anyone argue in favor of carrying a cast iron skillet to
fry a couple of eight-inch trout they intend to catch.  Currently, the
discussion is about large external-frame packs, and I’m beginning to think
I’m in an endless game of gear weight Whac-A-Mole.


I’ve used most of the older pack rigs but, based upon experience, I’ve
gotten past them.  I recently sent the oldest remaining relic – a wood and
canvas model -- to PCT Mom to display for the amusement of her hiker guests.
The next-to-oldest model, a welded aluminum pack frame, is still
occasionally employed for packing trail maintenance gear such as chain saws,
Grip-Hoists, wire rope, snatch blocks, transport chain, and other such heavy
rigging jewelry.  Even then I’ll admit to lashing the gear onto the frame,
then trying to con some stout youngster into hauling it up the trail.


The argument for a big, sturdy pack is that it will comfortably carry
tremendous loads, but I can’t imagine using the terms “comfortable” and
“tremendous load” in the same sentence relative to a hiker.


One problem with a large pack is, if the volume is there people tend to fill
it with something – anything – usually stuff that is unnecessary.  One of
the worst reasons to do something is just because you can.


Another problem is, a couple of extra or heavy pieces of gear means the pack
must be stronger which in itself adds more weight.  If you add two pounds of
tent, etc, the resulting total additional load weight could be three, or
more, pounds.  Additionally, your hiking speed will be reduced so more food
and water must be carried between resupply stops making the pack heavier
yet.  That’s called an exponential progression of weight.  An exponential
regression of weight works just the opposite.  When you eliminate or reduce
the weight of an item you also reduce the weight of the means to carry it,
and you can then carry it faster and further.

Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09