[pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read

[Ron Dye]

I too had dismal results with Esbit tablets - I even doused them in alcohol
and they wouldn't light.  I think you are correct in your assessment that
they may have been old.  I'm not condemning Esbit tablets but be sure they
are fresh.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Peter Shaw 
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 11:14 AM
To: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes ; pct-l at backcountry.net 
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read

Regarding your comments on Esbit, I think your Esbit tablets must have aged
and degraded for them to be that hard to light. I used Esbit every day last
year on my thru hike and one lighter was more than enough for the complete
trip. Some days I had three hot meals.  The only time I found the Esbit
tablets were difficult to light was when I couldn't shelter them from strong
wind. For those few occasions I carried a very small bottle of alcohol and a
small squirt was always enough to light them instantly. The alcohol bottle
(maybe 2 ozs when I started) was 3/4 full when I finished. I have four
different stoves (Esbit, alcohol, white gas and isobutane) and the Esbit
would be my first choice for any long hike. 

Peanut Eater 
Sent via BlackBerry from Peter

-----Original Message-----
From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:52:51 
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Weather considerations anytime/ a must read

These are the statements that equate lightweight backpacking with  
being ill-prepared, uncomfortable and cold, or mistake it for not  
bringing any gear at all. There are older topics where it's been  
asserted that you'll be colder with a lighter bag and less  
comfortable without whatever other stuff.

On Aug 21, 2010, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> bring suitable
> gear and clothing to get you through comfortably, warm, and dry.  
> Yes, your
> pack will be heavier, but you can rest assured (peace of mind) that  
> you'll
> be ready.
>
> ...

> how much comfort or safety they were willing to sacrifice
> to achieve that pack weight.
>
> ...
> Going without isn't what we would call "common sense."


On my last trip I brought my 20 degree bag, foam pad, a down jacket,  
a wind-breaker, rain chaps, umbrella, polypro tights, two shelters  
(one for bugs, one for rain and privacy), a bear canister, enough  
food for 6 days, a pot, cozy and spoon, a change of clothing for  
after the hike, toiletries to clean up during and after the hike,  
extra socks, two warm hats and one sun hat, two musical  
instruments...the works. My pack fully loaded was 19lbs including the  
food. I was not cold, hungry or uncomfortable and was not lacking in  
proper equipment with the exception of matches. (I didn't remember  
esbits being so difficult to light, won't use them again.)

Because my pack was light, I was able to cover a lot of ground each  
day in comfort, I never rest-stepped up the passes, I just walked  
normally like a day hike. It was wonderful. I also had enough energy  
to walk over to VVR and buy some lighters and enjoy a burger and beer.

Used up one whole lighter to light two esbits. I'm sticking to alcohol.
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