Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Page 3 of 3 < 1 2 3
Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#88683 - 02/28/08 01:11 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
"We lurkers may mock you behind our screens." (paraphrased)

As opposed to the rest of us, who mock him on screen? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Top
#88684 - 02/28/08 06:34 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Glenn]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Well if I did'nt have this 1998 laptop loaded with windos98 I'd a..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> probably use spell checker <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#88685 - 02/28/08 09:10 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
demo Offline
member

Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 221
Loc: Arkansan displaced in the PNW
Quote:
I sometimes wish I posted more so that people feel that they "know" me through my posts. I think that's pretty cool.


Well Jon, I'm fairly certain that after this thread has long faded, you will be known as the perennial lurker-guy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

*clears throat* Here Ye! Here Ye! I here by dub thee, Boston Mountain Lurker!
_________________________
Hike Arkansas! and Hike it All!

Top
#88686 - 05/17/08 11:04 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Brumfield]
lv2fsh Offline
member

Registered: 04/27/08
Posts: 111
Loc: socal
I found one, I found one!


[img][image]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm217/lv2fsh/vacaton06344-1.jpg[/img][/image]

Top
#88687 - 06/09/08 12:21 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
Balloondoggle Offline
member

Registered: 06/02/08
Posts: 16
Loc: Cincinnati, OH
Okay, I lurk in a lot of places. The question is "Why?"

I tend to find these forums in a search for information rather than a search for like-minded individuals. I still see the 'net as informative, not social.

Usually, I'm too late to be the first to make a point or offer constructive input and repetition is just redundant.

My attempts at humor are either too corny or subject to misinterpretation - very dry sense of humor, lack of decent sarcasm smilies. Although, the results sometimes appeal to my instigator side.

Specific to this forum, my experience is 20 - 25 years old, and only recently dusted off. While I can offer newbies the basics, nalgene bottles and packs with "hydration" facilities put me at a disadvantage. You should see my old internal frame pack that unzips like a suitcase to reveal my Coleman 502! Don't know that stove? Search eBay for "vintage camp gear". Much of my knowledge is similarly dated.

In that lengthy gap between youthful adventures and midlife desire to pass it on to my children, my knowlege was influenced by the military style of camping. If you want to learn about stand-to and canvas shelter halfs let me know. In the meantime, I'll come to you for advice on the safest way to carry my extra Coleman fuel so my son can have his hot cocoa and I my coffee in the morning.

My goals are somewhat different than the focus of the site. With a 6 year old in tow (more often in the lead) lightweight/longterm isn't such a concern. I did a 5 miler over two days with a 50lb pack (did you groan?) and was perfectly happy. The highlight was teaching The Boy to read a map and orient it with his compass. You're thinking "Map? Compass? Doesn't he know about GPS?". Admit it.

I subscribe to the idea that you should not say anything if you can't say something [constructive] nice and therefore, here anyway, I tend to lurk. I always thought of it as "ghosting" myself - "lurk" sounds too much like something out of The Ghost and Mr. Chicken!

Does this make me the most verbose poster in a thread that by definition shouldn't even exist? Have I lost my lurker status? Will I suffer the rage of the Banhammer? Should each of these questions be another thread in a different forum?
_________________________
I have a map of the world. It's actual size. Last summer, I folded it. - Steven Wright

Top
#88688 - 06/09/08 02:33 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Balloondoggle]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Call me a Luddite, but I think map-and-compass is still a pretty good skill. After all, batteries can die, units can get dropped and smashed, water may not be kind to them (of course, it's not real kind to maps) - but unless the magnetic field suddenly and dramatically shifts, the compass should keep on working.

Top
#88689 - 06/09/08 08:20 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Balloondoggle]
bostonmtnman Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/06
Posts: 117
Loc: Central Arkansas
Your reasons for lurking are very similar to mine, in particular the part about being too late to offer anything original. Many times, by the time I read a thread, all I can add to the existing responses is a simple "I agree" or "Yup." And I struggle with pulling off online humor as well.

Also, I too am surprised by the response to a thread that, by definition, should have been the shortest in the forum. I'm glad you posted, though. I enjoyed the read.
_________________________
Jon
Hike Arkansas!


Top
#88690 - 06/10/08 06:19 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
LaoTzu42 Offline
member

Registered: 05/03/06
Posts: 29
Loc: Indiana
I'm finding it difficult to post on this thread for exactly the same reason I don't generally post on the other threads. ...My lack of anything truly new or useful to add to the conversation.

Also, by the time I get around to reading and thinking about posting, the thread has usually descended into political or personal attacks. Seems like most threads are good for the first 10 or so replies, then the flame wars begin.

Lastly, I seem to be a "thread killer". There can be a lively debate about some subject and so then I will eagerly reply ...and suddenly you can hear the sound of crickets chirping.

Let's see if that holds true with this thread. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Top
#88691 - 06/10/08 08:30 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Glenn]
Mattress Offline
member

Registered: 05/14/07
Posts: 109
Loc: Victoria, BC, Canada
I think you'll find that most people here don't rely on a GPS. They may use one, or carry one, but not rely on it. The fact that we're on a forum about backpacking means we're passionate enough about the hobby to educate ourselves, and most educated backpackers are aware of the risks of relying on battery powered technology.

Besides, my GPS is 6 ounces, maps are closer to 1. It's a no-brainer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
http://lighterload.blogspot.com/

Top
#88692 - 06/10/08 10:00 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Mattress]
Balloondoggle Offline
member

Registered: 06/02/08
Posts: 16
Loc: Cincinnati, OH
Glad I'm not alone in that. In surfing gear sites, it's easy to get the impression that the printed map has gone the way of the Carribean Monk Seal!
_________________________
I have a map of the world. It's actual size. Last summer, I folded it. - Steven Wright

Top
#88693 - 06/10/08 02:39 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: Balloondoggle]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
Definitely not. I don't own a GPS. As long as I have eyes and a map, I can get pretty much anywhere I want to go. The only reason I could forsee purchasing one would be for my SAR work, and quite frankly, as I'm moving away from ground pounding, the most I'll get from a GPS is coordinates to send my search teams to.

Map, compass, tally step and a fair sense of speed... IMHO, using a GPS without having these skills as a back-up is a really good way to get yourself in the news. Good for you for being "old fashioned!" I think you'll find that most people here agree that map and compass skills are essential, even if they do own a GPS.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

Top
#88694 - 06/11/08 06:56 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: midnightsun03]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
I'm with MNS, I don't own a GPS. I get a USGS map, and maybe a BLM map, depending on where I hike, and just use that with a compass. That is the way I was taught and feel comfortable with. Besides, it adds challenge (not much, but a little) and fulfills me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

Top
#88695 - 06/11/08 12:24 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: finallyME]
Balloondoggle Offline
member

Registered: 06/02/08
Posts: 16
Loc: Cincinnati, OH
Well that's pretty cool. Score one for Old School!

After my most recent trip I'm considering a basic GPS so I can overlay waypoints on maps to improve the accuracy of the displayed trail. My last map was good enough for the trip but my inner engineer was annoyed that there were switchbacks and other trivial features not accurately reflected. I'm also the type who is likely to enjoy geotagging photos for Google Earth, just to annoy my indoorsy-type friends.
_________________________
I have a map of the world. It's actual size. Last summer, I folded it. - Steven Wright

Top
#88696 - 06/11/08 03:33 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: finallyME]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
For me, playing with an electronic thingie would be more challenging. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Seems to me that something like a GPS would tend to make people LESS aware of their surroundings, which goes against my cardinal rule of having situational awareness at all times.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

Top
#88697 - 06/11/08 08:21 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: midnightsun03]
lv2fsh Offline
member

Registered: 04/27/08
Posts: 111
Loc: socal
I'm another non gps owner. I've lived in and hiked,hunted, and fished in the local mountains as well as far away mountains all of my life. I carry a small compass but rarely use it. The mountain men and Native Americans traveled everywhere without even a compass. I have amazed my wife as well as myself by traveling cross country and finding my way out. I think like MNS says, being aware of your surroundings and how far and which way you go is so important and not something to leave to a gadget. Not condeming anyone for having or using one, just haven't seen the need. Maybe when I get alittle older and lose all my short term memory <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Top
#88698 - 06/18/08 07:52 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
Balloondoggle Offline
member

Registered: 06/02/08
Posts: 16
Loc: Cincinnati, OH
.....lurk.....

..lurk.......lurk......


Move along people, nothing to see here........
_________________________
I have a map of the world. It's actual size. Last summer, I folded it. - Steven Wright

Top
#88699 - 07/03/08 09:54 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
oregoncarver Offline
member

Registered: 10/06/05
Posts: 129
I lurk therefor I am

Top
#88700 - 07/04/08 03:33 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: oregoncarver]
Gary_N9ZYE Offline
member

Registered: 05/21/07
Posts: 51
Loc: Indianapolis, Indiana
I am still not lurking, again.
_________________________
Gary

Top
#88701 - 07/05/08 07:56 AM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: bostonmtnman]
walkover Offline
newbie

Registered: 06/13/08
Posts: 5
Loc: Ontario, Canada
I lurk for two reason:

a) to gain knowledge i would otherwise lack

b) to give non-lurkers a reason to exist. We lurkers seem to constitute the larger body at present in these forums, therefore utilizing the non-lurkers posts moreso than there own kind.

To reconfigure an earlier post to better suit my view of lurking... "I lurk, therefore you are."

Top
#88702 - 07/09/08 06:26 PM Re: Posted: No Posting Here (Lurkers Only) [Re: walkover]
FrolickingDino Offline
newbie

Registered: 06/30/08
Posts: 11
Loc: Southeastern USA
::: Dino seek lurking in the shadows :::

I lurk because I rarely have anything to say about the topics.

Top
Page 3 of 3 < 1 2 3

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 160 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum