[pct-l] Tents vrs Tarps - Bivies?

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

I agree wholeheartedly. Reducing pack weight is a key to making a  
thru-hike a success. And more than that (because Ernie and Ned can  
make it a success with monstrous loads) making it a pleasure.

Another side-effect to reducing pack weight is the pleasure of  
reducing dependence on gear to ensure your comfort and solve all your  
problems. It's freeing. One reason I miss the trail so much and waste  
too many pixels here is the fond memories of how free I felt to need  
so little to be warm, safe, dry and happy.

On Feb 5, 2011, at 3:15 PM, Timothy Nye wrote:

> Granted, some may well be 'obsessed' with gear for 'appearances',  
> but for others experience dictates a more cautious approach in  
> attempting to limit, insofar as possible, the amount of weight to  
> be carried.