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| You might not be able to tell, but this pack is falling apart. Straps are busted and the frame is cracked. After a lot of calls and emails, Granite Gear is sending me a replacement!! Thanks to Granite Gear, Moosejaw in Birmingham, MI and Donna Saufley. |
Monday, June 4, 2012
What Am I Afraid Of?
Ultralight hikers are fond of saying "You bring more of what you're afraid of". What they mean by that is that we tend pack more things in our backpacks to compensate for our fears. For example, if you're afraid to be cold, you brings lots of clothes. If you're afraid of being hungry, you bring lots of food. If you're afraid of getting lost you bring extra maps, GPS, etc... I think they're right but, on the other hand, you can't hike with NOTHING. You need some kind of shelter, at least some food and a map, etc... I've been re-evaluating all my gear, wondering where I can shave a few ounces and asking myself "What, exactly, am I afraid of?". Stay tuned and I'll let you know what I come up with.
If I had to guess...gun to my head...I'd say you are afraid of being hungry. I bet it's still very clear in your head the days you spent on the AT out of or almost out of food. As your HRC, I have a very exact list of what to send in your resupply and while there are the "can't hike without these items" the rest of the list just reads..."fill the rest of the box with as much food as you possibly can."
ReplyDeleteThe AT offered farms and orchards and plants to eat. That desert's got nothing.
On the other hand...only mere mortals are afraid.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDelete