The More Things Change...
Today I happened upon a 1951 edition of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Appalachian Trailway News. The following headline and short blurb reflecting on equipment 50 years prior (that would be 1901) caught my eye first.
LIGHT-WEIGHT EQUIPMENT
The following extract from the Army-Navy-Air Force Journal, March 3, 1951, shows that some progress has been made toward light weight equipment, even though not as much as hikers wish.“In the Journal”
50 Years Ago
A proposition is under way to make an endeavor to lighten to some extent the equipment of an infantry soldier in heavy marching order. When it is taken into considerations that an infantry soldier under heavy marching orders has to carry 73 pounds 15 1/2 ounces, exclusive of the water in his canteen which weighs approximately three pounds, it will be seen that this question is worthy of action.
This was followed by a piece on “the ubiquitous tin can” and efforts by the Sierra Club and others to educate hikers on cleaning up after themselves on the trail. And next was an announcement from the Maine Appalachian Trail Club that it was preparing “a leaflet of warning” to be distributed at Katahdin Stream Campground and similar points, “emphasizing the importance of light packs, adequate preparation, and proper footwear for an extended trip over the Trail.”
Lighter-weight equipment, treading lightly in the backcountry, and being adequately prepared for the trail. That sounds pretty much like the same stuff we’re talking about today—50 and even 100 years later.
Comments
Post a Comment
This post has been locked and is not accepting new comments
