[BULK] - [pct-l] hands free umbrella?

[rellinwood at worldnet.att.net (Robert Ellinwood)]

We did a vaguely similar thing to Sycamore's set-up in 1985.  Using external
frame packs back then, we attached the rim of a large lampshade to the top
extension bar of the pack, then supported the loop over our heads - as a
halo, so to speak - with a section of metal hanger back to the pack frame on
each side.  The "halo" was then covered with half of a space blanket which
then went down over the top of our packs to keep water and film cooler.
Great in limited wind... a pain in strong wind.  Walking hatless in really
dark shade was great.  However, a rigid system like that had its drawbacks
in ways other than wind... visibility at times, ducking overhanging brush,
taking the pack off and putting it on, explaining why we looked like
Martians!  Though we actually used it for 700 miles, our initial pride of
"cleverness" gradually turned to "Well, it works some of the time." 

This summer I will simply use a very light 6 oz umbrella attached either
with tiny bungees or with Velcro when the wind allows and use a wide-brim
Tilley LT6 hat the rest of the time. I keep hearing my dear departed mother
whispering, "Keep it simple, stoopid,"     Yes, Mom....

Dr. Bob

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-
> bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of John Hildebrand
> Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 8:48 AM
> To: at2002@mac.com; msaenz@mve-architects.com
> Cc: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [BULK] - [pct-l] hands free umbrella?
> 
> It handled all of the wind great.....Low profile and two guy lines made
> it very secure.  I'm making a lighter one now with the same
> strength.....
> Just as most thru hikers, I just ended up ditching all of my
> extras......But I sure wish I had it in Washington for the monsoon!
> 
> >>> Gary Wright <at2002@mac.com> 11/30/04 11:36PM >>>
> 
> On Nov 30, 2004, at 5:03 PM, Mike Saenz wrote:
> > Who has the pics from last ADZPCTKO with that guy's sun shade
> > invention?
> > Simple tubing and nylon. Looked great (though we all wondered what
> > would
> > happen when the wind hit it...)
> 
> I think you are talking about Sycamore:
> 
>     http://www.pbase.com/gwright/image/31039964
> 
> I understand he ditched it somewhere around the San Jacinto's due to
> the wind problems.
> 
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