[pct-l] Pack weight to body weight ratio...

[chelin at teleport.com (Sharon & Chuck Chelin)]

Good afternoon, Donna,

I think "Pack Gong Night" is a good idea, and I believe it still exist, only
now it is called "PCT-L".  With any luck, and a little participation, newer
hikers can learn-before-they-burn and not even start out with one of
everything shown in the REI catalogue, or all those gifts that Aunt Tilly is
convinced every "outdoorsy" person simply must have.  Repeat after me:
"When in doubt, leave it out."

Steel-Eye

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dsaufley@sprynet.com>
To: "Brett" <blisterfree@isp01.net>; "Kraig Mottar"
<kraig.mottar@verizon.net>; <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: Re: [pct-l] Pack weight to body weight ratio...


> My observation is that after 400+ miles, most overloaded hikers are
desperately looking for ways to lower their pack weight.  The overflowing
hiker boxes that are stored in our garage are a testimony to this
phenomenon.
>
> In 1997 (our first year hosting) the hikers spoke about "Pack Gong Night"
at Idyllwild.  It basically consisted of hikers sitting around in a circle,
displaying the contents of their packs, and having to justify their useless
and redundant items to the collective group, and getting the thumbs up or
down on keeping the item.  Of course, I don't know how many adhered to the
whim of the mob, but I'm sure it helped a few lighten up their loads.
Haven't heard of this game in recent years, but we've seen plenty of
counselling going on here, along with major divestitures and new purchases.
>
> -=Donna Saufley=-
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brett <blisterfree@isp01.net>
> Sent: Jan 7, 2005 5:15 PM
> To: Kraig Mottar <kraig.mottar@verizon.net>, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: Re: [pct-l] Pack weight to body weight ratio...
>
> Better yet, _decrease_ your packweight as your fitness
> increases. The more fit you become, the more mileage per day
> you may want to hike. A lower packweight will translate to
> higher daily mileages for little or no additional effort.
> And because you will gain the ability to hike higher daily
> mileages, your food weight between town stops - and your
> water weight between sources - will decrease accordingly.
>
> The lighter you go, the more you can lighten further. Don't
> fall into the trap of experience/fitness equating with a
> higher packweight. It's a fool's bravado.
>
> - blisterfree
>
>
>
> > You may be right. Though, for long trips, more weight will
> > be neccessary. Though, as time goes on and I get into
> > better shape, more weight might be a challenge. I will
> > probably do as you say, and start with 20 lbs and increase
> > as my fitness increases.
> >
> > Happy trails,
> >
> > Kraig
> >
>
>
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