Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by Fred on December 7, 2007 at 7:52:52 am EST
In reply to Darwin and adventure posted by Bill S on November 21, 2007 at 12:28:46 pm EST

Tipi - in some ways I think the "ultra-light revolution" is a reflection of our affluence and reliance on technology to "conquer" nature (which is an absurd concept, as we are and have been through our evolution, very much a part of nature).
Having the latest and greatest (and lightest) to many seems to be a way for them to announce to the world "look what I'm able to spend on my hobby!" - much like driving a Hummer H1 tells people "I can spend whatever I want on a vehicle and don't care about the cost of gas - I'm rich and important".
Perhaps it's a function of my age or maybe just some quirk of my personality, but I like to read in camp, and I like to be comfortable in camp. When I was younger I used to take great pride in the number of miles I could cover in a day, but now, a year away from my 50th birthday, I'd rather amble on the trail, take in the sights, sounds and smells and spend nice, unhurried time in camp watching birds and other animals, invesigating mosses and lichens under a magnifying glass, cooking food that makes my "ultralight" camp neighbors jealous and enjoying myself.
I missed a lot in my mega daily mile years - upon reflection I think the generations that came before me, who covered fewer miles during the day but had far richer experiences on and off the trails had it right.
Plus - it's a lot nicer to wait out bad weather in a comfortable camp, well fed, with something to read than it is to hunker down in a bivy sack, cold and damp, facing the prospect of getting wetter still to prepare some ramen noodles and tuna flakes ....

Or maybe I'm just a nut who carries older, heavier gear!

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.