[pct-l] optimal conditions

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

I have just a few more things to say on this topic and then I think  
there's not really anything more to say.

First of all, if people want to hike during the winter or start extra  
early or finish extra late, there is nothing wrong with that. And of  
course you will want to take some extra gear to deal with the  
conditions you may expect. If it is your desire to hike only 17 miles  
a day and spend time fishing and camping and you feel that having a  
lot of comfort gear makes that better, then there is nothing wrong  
with that. There is also nothing wrong with carrying an ice axe from  
Warner Springs so you can be ready for the snow on San Jacinto or  
picking up some extra gear in Wrightwood if there's a storm on Baden  
Powell.

The only objection I have is the constant drumbeat of light=cold,  
light=uncomfortable, light=unsafe, light=summer gear. By these ideas,  
you would have me purchase the 3lb 30 degree bag I saw in Sierra  
Trading Post this weekend instead of use my 1lb 20 degree quilt and  
believe I made a safer, warmer and more comfortable choice. That's  
ridiculous. If you are against Ultralight Backpacking and against  
people hiking without shelter or without insulation that is one  
thing, but if you believe we should all carry canvas and leather and  
things that are heavy, and pack full on winter gear in July when  
you're hiking through lower elevation Northern California, that is  
simply foolish. You are misunderstanding the new technologies and  
fabrics that are out there, displaying ignorance of the changes in  
gear that have improved the same equipment you have always carried.  
You are ignoring the wisdom of many people with thousands of miles of  
hiking experience who have successfully completed thru-hikes on the  
long trails and long hikes in other places using tarps, tarptents,  
running shoes, light stoves and other gear.

This stuff works. It allows more people to hike longer distances in  
more comfort with less injury and to older ages. I didn't make this  
stuff up. It is something I have learned from other people.