lmager,

I'm pretty new to backpacking myself, so I can relate to your concerns pretty well. As such, here's a few things I feel I should say to you.

First, if there is some resistance from your fellow hikers to your questions, and you're being pressured to go despite any misgivings you're having based on the advice you're getting here, then you should seriously reconsider joining these people on this trip. The transcripts of chats you posted indicated that these are fair young guys, correct? If so, keep in mind that the young tend to believe they are bulletproof. I know I did. The "wives" are lumping you as a trouble maker and feel you're trying to scare the others? Convenient of the "wives" to want you to knock it off, but not the husbands who you are having the contact with, don't you think?

Backpacking sounds like a safe, fun activity, and it is...but there is a serious potential for danger on this one. Backpackers die from a variety of things, so when experienced backpackers (many of whom I suspect have done far more than 14 hikes) say something could be life threatening, I'd start to listen.

Obviously, you're going to hike whatever trail you hike, and I sincerely hope you have a fun and safe time. However, I still want to urge you to listen to folks who aren't trying to pressure you by playing the macho card or guilt trip you into a decision. You only get one life after all <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Tom