Jim and I both come from climbing backgrounds where your climbing partner is your lifeline. Particularly on more difficult and remote climbs, teamwork is what makes or breaks a lot of expeditions.

I do not see much teamwork in today's backpackers. When I go with others, it is NOT as two solo backpackers- we are a team. Meet-up groups are really too loosy-goosey for me. I still have an entrenched wilderness ethic that says you never leave a slow member behind, carry extra weight if that is what is required to get the group from point A to point B as a cohesive group, be a good follower, be a strong leader, compromise, create synergy, cover each other's back. I think we are a dying breed.