[pct-l] Ray's Way

[Eskie user <sfox@eskimo.com>]

Ray Jardine has a background as an advanced climber. It is common for
these type of folks to go ultra light, other wise they might not make
their summit. He has translated this style of climbing to thruhiking,
that's all. Most backpackers are kinda shocked at how little gear these
hardcore climbers use, and their crazy bivies way up high in the cold
weather. Who needs a tent when you can dig a snow cave? Why not hang out
on some crazy ledge 2500' up a cliff? Fun!!

Anyway, this philosophy can work for thruhiking. Instead of carrying a
warm coat, just keep walking, and use the sleeping bag for emergencies or
to keep warm. Just stuff like that. Make do with less stuff. Course, he
goes all out making gear too, but that is also his style. He invented
"Friends" (well that is debatable, but he holds the patent) which
revolutionized some types of rock climbing like the big walls in Yosemite.

Seems like he takes some risks though, just like hardcore climbers.

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