Re: [pct-l] big pack orlittle pack

["Brett Tucker" <blisterfree@hotmail.com>]

Kelly,

Something that might help to shed light on your packweight and pack size 
dilemma - if you have a copy of the PCT Hiker's Handbook, read the Pyramid 
of Hiking Style information. Or in the new book Beyond Backpacking, check 
out the chapter on Supercharging Mileage. The crux of your issue seems to be 
summed up by the idea of consciously seeking a lightweight *system* vs. 
convincing oneself that the packweight can drop no lower and therefore 
actually increasing that packweight by trying to accommodate it. By focusing 
on those long, dry stretches and all that food for 7 days, you're 
essentially arguing for the need to carry heavier equipment. Reducing 
packweight to a bare minimum requires the opposite approach - arguing for 
what you do not need, and finding ways to make up any differences. The long 
haul has taught me that the second approach, though not always easy, greatly 
facilitates the act of walking.

- Blisterfree

>From: "Kelly Miller" <aj7x@amsat.org>
>Reply-To: <aj7x@amsat.org>
>To: "Pct-L" <pct-l@backcountry.net>
>Subject: [pct-l] big pack orlittle pack
>Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 12:55:52 -0700
>
>So, do I want to carry a 40 lb. load with a 1 pound pack or a 43 pound load 
>with
>a 4 pound pack I know will handle that much weight.?
>
>I've ordered a G4 pack and am anxious to try it out.  For shorter trips,
>especially around here, it might just be ideal.  I don't need to carry 
>water and
>the food for a short trip is just a few pounds.
>
>Over a long dry stretch of 7 days, you might at some point have 15 - 20 
>pounds
>of water plus 15 - 20 pounds of food...in addition to that 10 pound pack.  
>So,
>we have 40 pounds at least.  Or more.
>
>So, back to the original question.  The only salvation for the 1 pound pack 
>is
>the lighter load  will hopefully allow you better mileage so not as much 
>water
>or food is not needed.  But here we are talking only 3 pounds.  Could it 
>make
>that big of a difference?
>
>Just thinkin' out loud..
>
>...Kelly
>
>
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