[pct-l] Sheep Skin Pads

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

I was down at the Walmart auto section today and noticed some really nice  
light weight seat belt sheep skin pads.  I bought two and put them on my  pack 
waist belt.  Very nice comfort improvement.  I plan on using two  more on my 
sling for my water carriers too (they also attach to my pack waist  belt for 
sharing the load carrying).  
 
My question is what does rain to do these sheep skin pads?  I use a  full 
sheep skin cover for my car seat and it is great.  Cool in the summer  and warm 
in the winter.  Very comfortable.  I do not want a big smell  or drying problem 
when using sheep skin pads with my hiking gear.
 
Also, I wonder about Mr. Bear and the odor from real sheep skin pads.   I 
know the last grizzlies were killed off in California because of cattle and  
sheep raids.  May be Mr. Bear will think old Switchback is a sheep.  I  look like 
one too, which doesn't help.
 
By the way, I threw my back out for several days while working lightly in  
the backyard several months ago.  Never, never want to go through that  again.  
On my hands and knees just to get to the bathroom.  First time  I ever had a 
back problem.  When I finally was able to get upstairs and  take a shower (all 
3 full bathrooms are upstairs), it was like coming off the  trail after a week 
of hard hiking.  My complete sympathy to anyone with  back problems.
 
Cheers, Switchback
PCT Section Hiker, Est. 1970