[pct-l] Newbie questions from Uncle Billy

[Kelly Cohoe]

Hey Bill,

I have also wondered about being "sneered at" by ultra lighters, but I have 
decided that I really don't give a _______!  I like my tent.  It is small, 
lightweight and gives me a great sense of comfort every time I crawl into 
it.  I am older (47) and remember backpacking with 60 lb packs.  While I am 
grateful for all the new technology, have learned a lot from the ultra light 
approach, and brought my top weight down to around 30lbs - I think you 
should feel free to carry what works best for you.

HYOH and enjoy the gift of backpacking without worrying about what others 
may think of you or your gear.  It seems a bit counterproductive to feel 
pressured to purchase all the newest gear when one of the great things about 
being on the trail is the opportunity to step away from our consumer 
oriented, frenetically paced, keep up with the next person culture.  Just my 
thoughts!

Kelly Cohoe

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Thoms" <wthomsjr at comcast.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 10:34 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Newbie questions from Uncle Billy


With my only High Sierra multi-day experience a rapturous week in Yosemite I
am planning a PCT section hike this year.  My Yosemite hike pack (REI UL 30
- 3lbs) weighed nearly 30 lbs fully loaded with two 1.5L water bags and
filter, a week's food, bear canister, Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight tent
mini-bungee corded to the pack- almost 4 lbs with poles, stakes, & fly but
roomy for one and big enough for two, 2 ½ lb 20 degree down bag, pad, etc. I
also carried trekking poles.  The only item I would have left behind was a
down jacket that I hardly used. Questions: Will I be sneered at by the
ultralight hikers?  And should spend the $$ to shed some weight?  I like my
tent and I don't like bugs.

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