[pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings

[Ken Powers]

OMG! This brings back a memory about an early season 1998 backpacking trip 
in Kings Canyon. We were scouting the trail before our first JMT. Marcia 
slipped in a small creek engorged with runoff. She fell into the stream and 
started to slide down the hill. Like Carl, I reached out and grabbed the top 
bar of her pack and jerked her back to her feet.

Funny what adrenaline can do when you see your spouse and your food headed 
downstream.

Ken

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl Siechert" <carlito at gmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings


I think the unbuckle-for-crossings advice was a lot more appropriate back
when we stupidly carried packs weighing 60 pounds or more. That's obviously
enough of an anchor to drag you under, and because it takes so much inertia
to move a pack that size, you didn't have to worry as much about it throwing
you off balance. The force is always downward; lateral forces are pretty
hard to get going.

Conversely, an unsecured sub-20 pound pack swings about at the slightest
breeze, which could be just enough to tip you over. For stability then, I
think you're better off when you're loosely buckled in. If you do go for a
swim, it's not as much of a concern because a lightweight pack won't push
you under as quickly, giving you a moment or two to decide whether to
unbuckle and ditch the pack or rely on its flotation ability.

Carl
1977 PCT Kelty Kid

P.S. Big, old-school packs aren't all bad. About 10 years ago, we were
crossing the S Fork San Joaquin River at Muir Trail Ranch, having dropped
down from Mosquito Pass. My wife lost her footing and was swept away. With a
surge of adrenaline (and apparently unhindered by the 50 pounds on my back),
I ran to her and grabbed the top crossbar of her Jansport pack; you can't do
that with today's weenie UL packs! With one hand, I lifted her out of the
water and onto her feet. Our buddy Norm, who had already crossed and removed
his pack, plunged back across and--after she caught her breath and regained
her footing--took her pack so she could finish the crossing unladen.
Exciting times.