[at-l] Re: gear lists

[cwillett@math.uiuc.edu (Christopher Willett)]

I would agree with this.  I haven't had to use my first aid
kit for the past two years or so, but I still carry it.  Granted,
there are so many people on and around the AT that someone will
eventually find you.  But, a whistle is much better for attracting
attention than yelling.  My base weight is 17 lbs for simple
hiking trips, so I certainly don't bring everything with me into
the outdoors.

Chris

----------------------
Chris Willett
cwillett@math.uiuc.edu
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~cwillett
Department of Mathematics
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

On Wed, 27 Feb 2002, Raphael Bustin wrote:

> At 04:09 PM 2/27/02 +0000, Jim wrote:
>
>
> >[Sean:]
> >>Strapped to outside of Pack / External Pockets Whistle (hooked to
> >>accessory pack zipper)
>
>
> [Jim:]
> >Never did find a use for the whistle - but it IS your weight to carry.
>
>
> I've mostly been ignoring the gear-list thread, but just had to
> respond to this.  Seems to me a whistle, in a truly worst-case
> scenario, could be a life saver.  In matters of safety, I say,
> set aside the "ultralight" ethic.
>
> OK, there are no hard & fast rules here.  I just think that my
> life may just be worth the protection that a 0.1 oz or so plastic
> whistle may bring.  Some folks trust to guns, which weigh
> a lot more than a whistle. <g>
>
>
> rafe b.
> aka terrapin
>
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