[pct-l] Tethers to the other world...

[Paul Magnanti]

>>It's been interesting to hear everyone's differing situations and resultant attitudes towards modernized hiking. 
>>Maybe someday I'll collect my vintage gear and go for an old-school trip with wool, canvas, my SVEA and big leather stompers. 

>>No cell phone of course! Anyone else interested? 

Carrying a SPOT does not make you a modern hiker anymore than carrying a nylon pack makes you modern hiker. 

It simply makes you a hiker.


A wool sweater, leather boots and SVEA stove are functionally no different than a fleece, trail runners and an alcohol stove.

Heavier, bulkier and perhaps not as efficient...but you still stay warm, walk and boil water. 

A SPOT or a cell phone? Is a new variable.

It is not bad or good, but it does change the trail experience.

For some, it allows them to hike and let their loved ones at home have a peace of mind.  That's a good thing.

For others, such as Steel Eye and myself, it is something we'd rather not bring for various reasons.


Again, I have nothing against people who carry a SPOT (Cell phone? Good luck getting reception in many backcountry places)

I do have something against this cultural shift that somehow sees it as a mandatory piece of equipment.

I've off to Utah solo for 5 or 6 days next month.  I'll be out of pocket.

Would not have it any other way.


 
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Paul "Mags" Magnanti
http://www.pmags.com
http://www.twitter.com/pmagsco
http://www.facebook.com/pmags
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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau