Re: Stepping outside the box

--- In BackpackingLight-F5Bj5G+ccuY@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Shane Steinkamp" 
<shane@xxxx> wrote:

> My biggest 'problem' with Ray is the automatic assumption that hiking
> lighter means hiking faster, and faster is always better.  Personally, I
> don't want to hike faster.  If anything, I want to hike slower.  

I don't think that's necessarily Ray's assumption. He's emphasized (at
least in my reading of the book) that the *ability* to hike faster
(and farther) opens your options. 

For example, it's less of a chore to "hike high" (above the treeline),
where the hiking is easier and the views are better,  and "sleep low"
where it's easier to find nicely sheltered spots that will more easily
support hammocks and tarps, etc. A heavyweight hiker less able to
cover distance is more likely to have to set up camp above the
treeline rather than face the extra time and effort of slogging back
up the mountain in the morning with that load. 

Glen Van Peski, during one of his clinics at A16 stores this month,
noted that he usually doesn't carry a bear canister in areas where
there are bear boxes available. Because he's traveling so light,
finding a bear box that's been jammed full by some insensitive packers
with dirty dishes, etc. isn't the problem that it might be with a
heavyweight backpacker -- he just hikes the additional five miles to
the next one, since he can cover the distance fairly easily and
quickly, even after dark.  

Some people have assumed that hiking faster means that you don't take
the time to enjoy the sights. The reverse is true -- you usually have
MORE time to enjoy the really pretty ones if you're not worried about
the struggle to make the next shelter or camping site in time. 

david