[pct-l] Lightening risks using external frame pack?

[William A. Chavez]

The following is in part an excerpt from "Off The Wall: Death In  
Yosemite" page 204:

One of the earliest records of lightning versus visitors was July 16,  
1911.  Fourteen people  were riding horseback... they took refuge  
with in a small grove of pines (during a thunderstorm).  There was a  
lightning strike and nine of the horses died instantly under the  
riders, none of the riders was hurt.  The riders were not hurt  
because they were insulated by the saddles.  The five horses that  
survived were not wearing iron shoes.  This has nothing to do withe  
hiking but I suppose you may want to carry a saddle in the event you  
are caught in a thunderstorm. Also remember to not wear iron shoes.

Bill