[at-l] Laws of Backpacking: Rules of the Obvious

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

I'd axe the LAWS OF THE PACK #2 rule.  Hanging a pack isn't
necessary if take simple precautions.  Remove anything that
might possibly smell tasty (food, lip balm, sunscreen, powders,
etc).  Open the pack up and undo all the zippers so that critters
can run in and out, rather than chewing.  I've never had a problem
following this procedure.

Chris

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

On Mon, 11 Mar 2002, Shane Steinkamp wrote:

> In working on the hiking section of my website, I've come upon the idea to
> write 'master of the obvious' rules.  While this is probably an exercise in
> stupidity, all input is welcome.  Please feel free to create your own
> section.
>
> Shane
>
> LAWS OF COOKING
>
> 1.  Only you can prevent forest fires.
> 2.  Don't cook next to your tent.  You will attract unwanted wildlife.
>
> LAWS OF COOKING GEAR
>
> 1.  Test cooking methods BEFORE you get on the trail.
> 2.  
>
> LAWS OF FOOD
>
> 1.  When practical, carry two days more than you need in case of emergency.
> 2.  Don't feed the animals.
> 3.  Hang you food out of reach of animals every night.
>
> LAWS OF ZIPPERS
>
> 1.  A clean zipper is a happy zipper.
> 2.  If you have to force a zipper, something is wrong.
>
> LAWS OF THE PACK
>
> 1.  Your pack, shelter, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag should not exceed 11
> pounds by themselves, when possible.
> 2.  Any pack must be suspended at night, not resting on the ground or
> against a tree within the reach of any animal.
>
> LAWS OF WATER
>
> 1.  If you are unsure of your next water source, carry as much as you
> reasonably can.
> 2.  Always filter or treat water in the back country.
>
>
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