[pct-l] Followup Backpack Question

[kdpo at pacbell.net (Ken Powers)]

Now I see why this ultra-light long distance hiking is so much fun. Really,
none of the things in this list really bother me/us any more. As marcia
says, "tomorrow will be better."

Ken
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "dude" <dude@fastmail.ca>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2004 12:04 PM
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Followup Backpack Question


> > 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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