[pct-l] Getting Into Trouble on the Trail

[bmclaughlin at bigplanet.com (Brian McLaughlin)]

> Is an unprepared guy carrying a 20 pound pack in cold weather in any more
> danger than an unprepared guy carrying a 60 pound pack in 100 degree heat?
> On the PCT you're likely to get far more of the latter than the former.
>
> You just can't draw conclusion simply from the weight of one pack if they
> are likely to be in more or less danger.

Actually, I don't think anyone has taken the position that
pack weight is the be-all and end-all of how prepared
a hiker is. All I ever said was that an ultra-light hiker needs
to compensate for having less gear by having more
awareness. I am all for every hiker having the largest
possible skill set and the most keen and alert mind and
using them wisely in all situations.

Inattention kills far more people in the wilderness than a
lack of gear ever did and gear never yet saved anyone
who was unprepared. However, I still stand by my main
point. which is simple enough. *All else being equal*, the
same hiker, with the same knowledge base and the same
experience and ability can get away with more lapses of
attention while carrying 7 pounds of clothes and sleeping
bag than when he carries 4 pounds of clothes and sleeping
bag.

Paying keen and strict attention is still the best predictor of
safety and success, and everyone should make THAT their
goal and aim, rather than sliding by with more gear and a sloppy
attitude.

I think most of the "disagreement" on this thread is really
just a slight shift of emphasis rather than sharp differences
in opinions.