[at-l] Future AT hiker...

[bcalkins@disaster-relief.net (Bruce Calkins)]

Yup,  We have see your type before.  (Not that any of us would admit to this
type of history (grin))

I have in my early hiking days spent dry, comfortable stormy nights under a
sheet of plastic with a pair of blankets.  Morning showed the faults of the
expensive tents and sleeping bags of the inexperienced and careless campers
as they attempted to dry them out before packing up.

My suggestion;  Listen well and Experiment cautiously.  There is a more than
century or two of combined wisdom here on this list, and no two of us will
have the same set of solutions.  The money spent on gear does hold second
place to the wise and careful use of that gear.  That said, light weight,
QUALITY gear is a joy to use and generally offers a reserve (often a major
reserve) when the going gets rough.

Black Wolfe


----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian McGarrahan" <bmcgarrahan@sc.rr.com>
To: <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 1:21 PM
Subject: [at-l] Future AT hiker...


> Thank you very much for the welcome to the list.  I have been very
surprised
> by the friendliness of everyone.
>   Now, someone asked about my gear...  Well, everything I have is pretty
> much the cheapest stuff I can find.  I am very happy with my equipment so
> far.  My pack is a Coleman Exponent Rush, holds everything well and is
> comfortable.  The only problem I have had with it was getting it adjusted
> just right my first time out with it.  Other than that, I cannot complain.
> My tent could be smaller and lighter.  A Great Basin dome tent, weighs a
> little over 6 lbs.  It is quite easy to set up and take down.  My bag
weighs
> 3 lbs. and is rated to 40 degrees, comfortable it is...cheapest thing at
> Wal-Mart ( the place that gets more of my paycheck than any other.)  My
> little camp stove, albeit light, is large and clunky.
> I have looked into making one of those little alcohol stoves from pop
cans,
> just haven't had the time or energy yet.  I have never weighed my gear
prior
> to any hike.  Most of the time  I manage well.  Maybe I am just used to
> carrying around 80+ lbs. of gear which makes hiking feel light.  I am very
> interested in learning about lighter hiking, as long as I have a tent
around
> me and not a tarp/poncho/canteen whatever else they combo up to make a
> shelter out of...
>
>
> Well, again, thank you everyone for the great welcome.  I can see that I
> will enjoy this list already.
>
> Brian
> --------------------------------------
> Brian McGarrahan
> bmcgarrahan@sc.rr.com
> AIM: Btfire
> ICQ: 33898218
> --------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> >From the AT-L mailing list         est. 1995
> Need help?  http://www.at-l.org
> Archives: http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/
> Change your options or unsubscribe:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
>
> Stay on topic!
>
>