RE: [pct-l] big pack orlittle pack

["Reynolds, WT" <reynolds@ilan.com>]

Ray Jardine makes two (2) assumptions, neither of which is necessarily true.
The first assumption is that one wishes to reach Canada. The second is that
resupply points are relatively fixed.

However, assuming that these assumptions are true for you, then Jardine's
conclusions are relatively correct. Every pound you add to your pack reduces
the miles that you can walk in a day. This requires you to carry more food
between resupply points, which add more weight, which slows you down even
more, which requires you to carry more food between resupply points, which
add more weight, which slows you down even more, which . . . {repeat ad
infinitum}.

Ray's solution is to go ultra-light and forsake comfort [and some say
safety] for distance. You enjoyment is reaching your goal -- Canada!

Needless to say, this is not a trade that many backpackers would make. Most
backpackers enjoy "being out there" as opposed to "reaching there". [It is
true that most backpackers have goals and most thruhikers enjoy the scenery.
The difference is emphasis] Most arguments on this forum about "light"
versus "heavy" packs are really arguments about philosophy. [Forget stories
from Greg and Monte about hiking the entire trail with 100 pound packs.
Continents have shifted since the Neolithic age. The trail is much longer
and harder now] "Ray Jardine" types are saying 'this is the best way to hike
the entire trail' and "heavyweights' are saying 'this way is the best way to
enjoy the trail [safely]'

To refute Ray's arguments you must:
1-Be one of those Neolithic supermen [these are special order. they do not
come stock]
2-Endure pain, hardship [and some say risk your health]
3-Decide that making Canada this year is not all that a big deal
4-Spend money to change the resupply points.

Note : Option 4 may be new to some of you. I will illustrate this approach
in Section A and thru the Sierra. The Sierra is probably the hardest. For
most of the trail carrying 2-3 days food is enough. 

Section A-You need not carry anything but a day pack EXCEPT thru the San
Felipe Hills. You can sleep in a 4WD every other night. Your pack weight
[sans food and water] can be a pound and you can still sleep in a bed. 

The Sierra-
From Kennedy Meadows you can be resupplied at Cottonwood, Vidette Meadows,
Woods Creek, Le Conte Canyon, Muir Trail Ranch, VVR, Mammoth and Tolumne. 

North of Tuolumne you can resupply at Benson Lake, Sonora Pass, Clark
Campground, Lake Alpine, Carson Pass, Echo Lake, Meeks Bay and I-80

You can carry only 4-5 days of food MAXIMUM saving 8-12 pounds of pack
weight. Other variations are possible. This was off the top of my head. All
it takes is money.

Funny how a Option A lifestyle solution can solve an Option B problem.

Tom
* From the PCT-L |  Need help? http://www.backcountry.net/faq.html  *

==============================================================================