[pct-l] Number 1 Recommendation for Noob Thru Hikers

[Edward Anderson]

I agree 100% with you ruffwork. Always check out everything thoroughly before starting a long hike. Most know me as someone who rode his horse on the PCT.  Next summer, if all goes as planned, I will be hiking.  I always do a lot of research and testing; doing "check-out", multi-day rides. Before hitting the trail next summer I will be checking out my new approach to backpacking. As a result of a past surgery, I have a somewhat compromised right shoulder. At 76, I also have arthritis in my lower back. I have come up with a "balanced solution" - my wife calls it a "balancing act".  I bought a lightweight backpack and will also be carrying some of the weight in a 9oz Mountainmaster fanny pack - rotated and carried up front. It transfers some of the weight from my shoulders to my hips. So far, on short test hikes, it seems to work well. Has anyone else on this list tried that approach?
MendoRider-Hiker
 

________________________________
 From: ruffwork <ruffwork at ruffwork.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 12:47 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Number 1 Recommendation for Noob Thru Hikers
 
I've been hiking on the PCT for a while now and I'd like to suggest to all you class of 2012 thru hikers who are
going out and getting all your new cool gear and stuff that the #1 thing you can do is

PLEASE DO NOT LEARN TO USE NEW GEAR ON-THE-HIKE.

Take your stuff out on a test drive!  Just even over night but better if it's 2-3 days and one will include rain!
In that short hike you'll find all sorts of stuff that does not work on the trail that you thought would work when you were at the keyboard ;-/
When I get a new stove I cook with it at home for a week or so (yum, it's freeze dried Chili Mac tonight!).
When I get a new sleeping bag or tent I set up in the back yard in a storm and camp in it several nights (my cats think I'm crazy).
Please do not learn how to use the new gear on-the-job...please?

ruffwork
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