[pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings ( Chris "Chance" dePolo)

[Kevin Cook]

All great in theory until you slip, hit your head on a rock, and are
unconscious. I suspect you won't get that hip belt unbuckled at that point.
Then that wonderfully buoyant bear can will keep the pack on top of the
water and put your body facing down into the water.

I agree with everyone saying they prefer the stability of having the belt
buckled, but I disagree with the belief that you will be able to unbuckle it
easily in an emergency. I don't know about the rest of you, but I use my
trekking poles when I cross rivers. If those are in my hands, or strapped to
my wrists, I may have trouble getting a hand to that buckle.

In the end, we all have to do whatever we're most comfortable with. Just be
aware of the potential risks associated with whatever you're attempting. I
will decide whether or not to unbuckle my hip belt on a case by case basis.
;)

On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 5:20 PM, Chris dePolo <cdepolo at ymail.com> wrote:

> When crossing streams I never unhook my buckles.  I like the stability of
> having
> my pack tight against my body.
>
> More than that I also believe that my pack provides some flotation,
> especially
> with a bear canister, which I have experienced first hand.  If i hadn't had
> my
> pack buckled it would have floated on the surface while I sank.  Then in
> all
> likelyhood I would have lost it.  Even without a canister I feel you have
> at
> least 30 seconds before It becomes flooded.  Most are at least water
> resistant.
>
> Second if I ever get swept away in some rapids I think that my pack would
> provide a pretty decent buffer, a cushion for any rocks that I may or may
> not
> bump into.
>
> I am very comfortable in the water and I believe that I could unbuckle my
> pack
> in a hurry if need be without panicking.
>
> Just my two cents.
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