[pct-l] Sierra Solo

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

Not saying one is better than the other but that if you are in danger  
and relatively incapacitated (or your device is) a low-tech backup  
plan might save your butt. Don't put all your eggs in one basket or  
think because you have a hammer every situation is a nail.

On Apr 21, 2012, at 6:19 PM, Jerry Goller wrote:

> I'm a little unclear as to how non-tech items would require less  
> mental and
> physical ability than a "high tech" device would.
>
> I'm not trying to cop and attitude here but I just don't see how  
> one is
> better than the other. Now, that being said, do I carry a *very* loud
> whistle? Of course. That is by far the most likely thing to get me  
> help. Do
> feel safe in the knowledge that should I be impaired physically or  
> mentally
> that I have my trusty map and compass or a mirror to signal a  
> plane? Of
> course not. Under these circumstances I know I wouldn't be able to  
> use them
> more effectively than the high tech stuff.
>
> The only safe and reasonable course of action is to not get  
> yourself in
> those situations in the first place. Can "accidents" happen? Only  
> if you
> cooperate in the setup the situation.
>
> In suppose I may come across as an arrogant, know it all butt head.  
> But I
> really don't mean to. The only thing that will "save" you is  
> education,
> experience (slowly and carefully gained) and keeping your head  
> plugged into
> your ass. You say that I (or you) can't be on our toes all the  
> time? Of
> course you can. All you have to do is do it.
>
> I was first trained by my dad, who loved to camp and backpack. The  
> Marines
> honed my abilities, both physically and mentally, to a fine edge. They
> taught me that if I keep my cool and keep my head plugged in, that  
> I can
> survive anywhere for a few days. I also know that I would have to  
> somewhat
> apply myself to inadvertently get in one of these situations.
>
> It is the PCT, not the North West Territories.
>
> Jerry
>
> http://www.backpackgeartest.org/: the most comprehensive  
> interactive gear
> reviews on the planet.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l- 
> bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
> Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 15:51
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra Solo
>
> Oh, and I forgot to say, one reason not to make high-tech things  
> your main
> safety net are because if you really are in real trouble, you:
>
> - may not be able to read the buttons or screen
> - may not have the finger coordination to press buttons
> - may be mentally compromised in a way that navigating a user-  
> interface is
> too difficult
> - may find that other types of knowledge can provide better safety  
> in the
> short term
>
> For example, you could have hypothermia and not be able to use your  
> fingers.
> Your thinking could be compromised at the same time. If you at  
> least have
> the mental capacity to set up a shelter and get warm, you might  
> then be able
> to use your fingers to push the buttons and use your brain to realize
> pushing those buttons maybe isn't needed after all.
>
> Or another example, you broke your leg and your reading glasses  
> fell off a
> cliff. You can't see anything small. You can still blow a whistle that
> another hiker can hear.
>
> Maybe I'm way off here, but still, having something simple you can  
> use to
> call for help when other parts of you aren't working so well is a good
> thing.
>
> On Apr 21, 2012, at 2:22 PM, Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes wrote:
>
>> Also, I would strongly suggest you not look to high technology to be
>> your main safety net. A whistle and signal mirror are good things to
>> have on hand, won't break or lose power. Fine if you want to bring a
>> high-tech thing as well, but often it is the simple things make the
>> real difference.
>>
>> On Apr 18, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>>> I have the amazing opportunity to tackle the Sierra section (from
>>> Tehachapi to Chester) over the summer, however it looks like I will
>>> be soloing it.
>>> This brings some interesting challenges to the table.
>>
>
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