Re: [pct-l] Ultralight???

["Jennifer R. Doebler" <TUBABABE@psu.edu>]

>As
>much as I'd like to have a 15-20 lb pack, I simply don't feel
>comfortable with the gear, or should I say lack of gear, required
for
>that low of a pack weight.  
*snip*
>However, I still feel rather frustrated that it seems many
>others are making do with less.  Anyone else share this feeling?
>Perhaps I'm not understanding the lightweight concept yet, as I've
not
>had the opportunity to read Jardine's famous book

See I guess I'm kinda lucky in that respect...I had never done any
extenisve backpacking before Mike and I decided to do this trip.  I
was trained (or as some people feel--brainwashed!) in the ultralight
concept from day one.  I don't know how nice it is to have a water
filter or a plethora of extra clothes; I think it makes it easier to
subscribe to the ultralight philosophy if you have never been introduced
to any others!  In that respect, ignorance is bliss. :)  I
guess the whole minimalist concept can be rather hard to grasp, but I
know people who apply bits and pieces of Jardine's ideas, lessening their
overall packweight without having to compromise the items that make them
feel safer in the woods (such as sewing their own lightweight
windbreakers, investing in a low weight sleeping bag, cutting off the
extraneous tabs and doodads off their store-bought backpacks,
etc...).  A hybrid approach has helped some adjust to the minimalist
lifestyle without sacrificing too much of their traditional "be
prepared" attitude.  It's just a perspective from a Jardine-ite
by default.  :)  

Love,
Jen "Talus" Doebler
1/2 of Team "On Fire"
PCT 99