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#89920 - 02/14/08 03:50 PM excess weight confession
ringtail Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Colorado Rockies
I enjoyed the refreshing cold air and snow on my face on my morning walk, but had to consider the excess weight I carry into the backcountry.

I carry a bag with an OR Windstopper balaclava, goggles, dry gloves and shell mittens anytime I trek into winter conditions. I can only remember using them once in the last decade when my friend told me I had gray spots on my face.

You will need to pry them out of my cold, dead fingers to take them away from me - literally.

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#89921 - 02/14/08 05:44 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: ringtail]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
Food...

I too carry alot of "worst case scenario" redundant (but light as possible) things when I go out, because you just literally never know when you're going to go for a hike in June and round a corner into winter. I have used things I would never have expected to use at odd times - emergency bivy for a wind-break during a snack break on a day that was warm and still at the trailhead, but very cold and windy at the turn-around point. Don't sweat carrying a little extra... where you hike, it could someday make a difference for you or for someone you're hiking with.

MNS
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YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#89922 - 02/15/08 08:36 AM Re: excess weight confession [Re: ringtail]
aceatc Offline
member

Registered: 07/24/07
Posts: 109
Loc: WA, auburn
Most of the extra things I carry I never really use. The only time I can remember me or anyone else I hiked with that had to use extra gear were on the days where it was our first time in that sort of weather.

First time snow camping and a buddy of mine's feet were getting cold. So, he cut off the wool sleeves on his sweater and made them into some make-shift socks. That's not really an example of using extra gear, but that's the closest I've seen :-)


Edited by aceatc (02/15/08 09:29 PM)

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#89923 - 02/15/08 09:25 AM Re: excess weight confession [Re: aceatc]
JAK Offline
member

Registered: 03/19/04
Posts: 2569
I usually head out with about 50 pounds of excess body fat.
I must also confess I don't always carry it all back out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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#89924 - 02/15/08 03:12 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: JAK]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
I have carried gear I did not use on a trip, but mainly that has happened due to my unfamiliarity with a region. I usually carry what I think is prudent for a trip with the worst weather scenerio that I might encounter. No problem in my mind carrying gear that is necessary to peace of mind on a trip <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

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#89925 - 02/15/08 05:14 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: midnightsun03]
hootyhoo Offline
member

Registered: 12/14/06
Posts: 686
Loc: Cyberspace
i don't blame you midnight - because of where you live. Where I live SE it can be 40 one day and drop all the down to...hold onto your socks.....35 DEGREES!!! The very next day --- look out, here comes winter.....no warning, bam its there.

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#89926 - 02/15/08 08:41 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: JAK]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Quote:
I usually head out with about 50 pounds of excess body fat.
I must also confess I don't always carry it all back out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Hey! I resemble that remark!
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My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
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#89927 - 02/16/08 08:06 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: midnightsun03]
altadude Offline
member

Registered: 11/16/03
Posts: 524
Quote:
Food...

I too carry alot of "worst case scenario" redundant (but light as possible) things when I go out, because you just literally never know when you're going to go for a hike in June and round a corner into winter. I have used things I would never have expected to use at odd times - emergency bivy for a wind-break during a snack break on a day that was warm and still at the trailhead, but very cold and windy at the turn-around point. Don't sweat carrying a little extra... where you hike, it could someday make a difference for you or for someone you're hiking with.

MNS


Couldn't agree with you more........

When bc skiing I have had more people borrow my knife, baling wire to repair their broken bindings, power bar when bonking on the ski back, etc...........

I seem to lend people shells, or insulated jackets........

Also, I am sort of belts and suspenders kind of person professionally and personally. I try to prepare for second and third option scenarios.......planning ahead...........

Adds a couple of pounds-I would never be an ultralighter............but I feel better....

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#89928 - 02/16/08 09:43 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: ringtail]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
As a former Nordic patroller I can say MNS is correct. You never know when that "unused" equipment will be life-saving equipment for you or someone else

In winter it is common sense and common practice to carry at least mitten shells, if not complete mittens. The balaclave can and should be used when sleeping as well as backup headgear. And a vest of some sort is always a wise added "safety" item to carry in winter, whether dayhiking/skiing or camping.

Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

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#89929 - 06/01/08 04:10 PM Re: excess weight confession [Re: ringtail]
northernbcr Offline
member

Registered: 05/26/08
Posts: 125
Loc: bc/yukon border area
very well put i dont know how many times i've been laughed at for bringing " all that stuff" and then lend it out to a shivering head hanging friend.

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