[pct-l] Being prepared

[Douglas Tow]

At the 2014 kickoff, there was wind and rain Friday night.  A great number
of hikers ended up in their cars or in the camp bathroom, as their
minimalist tents, or the hikers' inexperience in using their gear, proved
inadequate to keep them warm and dry.  The imagination flew at the thought
of what would have happened if those folks were on the trail, days from any
exit point.

I, and countless other hikers, have had themselves and their packs
completely soaked in cold conditions, and only the ability to get warm and
dry (shelter, dry sleeping bag, perhaps something dry to wear at night)
saved them from the danger of hypothermia, or at best the misery which
might send them off the trail for good.  Many people leave the trail
because they and their gear are not up to conditions, but few leave because
they have 35 pounds on their back vs. 30 pounds.

Do you want every chance to get to Canada or not?

Chipmunk