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It would seem that you're the one who's confused - so let's get the definition straight: <BR>
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The "original" slackpacker was, as defined by O.D. Coyote, someone who carried enough gear, food, etc to stay on the trail for extended periods of time - and take the time to enjoy the trail, the country and the lifestyle. The part of that definition that you missed, for reasons I think needn't be pursued, was that a "real" slack packer was also capable of doing the same 30+ mile days as a fastpacker while carrying the weight that you seem to disdain. I qualify as a "real" slackpacker - do you? <G> <BR>
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However - there's also another version of slackpacking - it is, specifically, allowing someone else to carry your pack, usually via car or truck, although there might be other methods (like a wife or girlfriend?) to your next campsite - or perhaps to a road crossing where you would pick it up again. This is the common (and incorrect) usage of the word that's been used on all the long trails for the last 15 years or more. It also means that a slackpacker in this sense would be carrying less weight than you, as a fastpacker, would be. I've also done this type of slackpacking, so I won't comment further about it at this time. <BR>
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I don't do fuzzy pink slippers - but I have a friend who does tutus. <g><BR>
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Walk softly,<BR>
Jim<BR>
<BR><BR>http://www.spiriteaglehome.com/<BR><BR>> Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:04:42 -0800<BR>> From: reinholdmetzger@cox.net<BR>> To: pct-l@backcountry.net; hiker97@aol.com<BR>> Subject: [pct-l] sexy men / Switchback's PCT fuzzy pink slippers<BR>> <BR>> Paul,<BR>> What you are describing sounds more like Switchback's form of ''slack <BR>> packing'' or roughing it in the wilderness.<BR>> You know Switchback, he is hard-core, comes from the old school of <BR>> thought, no short cuts for Switchback....he believes in earning his stripes.<BR>> That is why he is carrying his own day pack, he believes in carrying his <BR>> own weight unlike some other hikers that will have their wifes or girl <BR>> friends carry the heavy loads.<BR>> I hope this clears up the confusion.<BR>> <BR>> JMT Reinhold<BR>> <BR>> -----------------------------------------<BR>> <BR>> Paul wrote......I thought a ''slack packer'' was someone that sent the <BR>> heavy pack on ahead in a car /truck/HGV and hiked in a day pack...Am I <BR>> wrong here?<BR>> <BR>> _______________________________________________<BR>> Pct-l mailing list<BR>> Pct-l@backcountry.net<BR>> To unsubscribe or change list options (digest, etc):<BR>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l<BR><BR></body>
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