[pct-l] Followup Backpack Question

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

> Even when selecting ultralight gear, you still need to prepare
> yourself both mentally and physically for the worst-case scenario
> you're likely to encounter while on the trail. With ultralight you're
> using your acquired wisdom to offset any weakness inherent in the
> gear.

Great point, Ron!  This cannot be stressed enough.  If you decide to go 
ultralight, at least a few times you must be prepared to:
- eat less than you'd like sometimes
- be colder than you'd like sometimes(especially sleeping)
- be wet for longer than you'd like
- wear smelly clothes longer than you'd like
- sleep uncomfortably more often than you'd like
- learn to live with fewer conveniences at your disposal

Then you combine that with the overall demands of a long hike:
- walking longer in a day than you'd like sometimes.
- getting up at the crack of dawn (sometimes earlier)
- walking for miles on snow
- baking yourself in the sun
- being thirsty longer than you'd like sometimes
- drinking water that tastes like Iodine
- spending lots of time filtering water
- eating the same foods over and over.
- longing for your family and friends
- caring for your various aches and pains

When you combine all of these things, you really have to be prepared 
mentally.  Ultralight is a different way to hike.  It assumes certain 
things that some people are not willing to compromise on (like just 
being cold sometimes).  This is why everyone has pretty much 
said "HYOH" (Hike Your Own Hike).  Ron's suggestions are all very 
good.  You need to find out what will work for you.  Hopefully, you 
will figure it out before you spend a wad of cash on some expensive 
gear.

peace,
dude


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