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Re: [at-l] GSMNP Proposed Itenerary redux



There are a few reasons to look at pack lists and weight. There is the 
opportunity to brag and act like us boys with who has the best toys, the 
most weight, the least weight,or other measure of our manliness.

Another reason is to reduce risk of injury and to focus on bringing what 
you need. It is easy to bring "luxuries" but to have forgotten matches. You 
might find some of the ultralight folks interested in your hammock as 
something far more than a luxury.

I weigh and list my gear to focus on assuring that I have all I need, and 
to make sure I am very familiar with my gear. It helps me organize what I 
carry, particularly first aid and survival items. I have overpacked 
(particularly with food) and avoid throwing stuff out like Katz and others 
have done.

I could always carry a concrete block for additional weight and 
cardiovascular workout, but I prefer to get my masochistic pleasures in 
seedy motel rooms, not the backcountry. (Step on my hands with a crampon! 
Yeh, baby!) But we do agree that you should hike your own hike, even if 
that isn't purity in the Ultralight or Trailways sense.

OrangeBug
Atlanta, GA

At 09:52 AM 6/15/2000, Denise Hluhan wrote:
>So I guess that my actual question is this - is there an actual health 
>related reason why we should not carry that much weight?  Or is it OK to 
>carry the weight if that's the experience you want?  This question has 
>been tormenting me for the past week and a half.  Is there a 'right' answer?

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