[pct-l] revisionists

[CMountainDave@aol.com (CMountainDave@aol.com)]

Looks to me like the lightweight backpacking "revolution" is facing its first 
revision. I was of the impression that the new breed was paring all 
unnecessary gear from their packs and going with lighter alternatives for the 
necessary stuff. Now it seems that unnecessary gear is okay too as long as it 
is 'lightweight." Maybe I'm wrong, but communications from/to the wilderness 
wasn't necessary just a few years ago, so why is it necessary now? 
Advertising, perhaps? Ditto water filters and walking sticks - neither used 
to be necessary. I guess if you create a necessity, insecure people will 
flock to it (No offense to those with bad knees who really do need walking 
sticks but studies have shown that most people just get arm exercise and 
we've already gone thru the water filter bit)