[Philmont]: backpacks and observations

info on proper measuring and sizing of i-frame packs is available at www.gregorypacks.com. even with an i-frame pack of the proper size, further adjustment is usually required to fine tune the fit.

the 608 crews taking the "southern route" (trek 12) were dropped off at zastrow turnaround. mosquitoes were only a problem from upper agua fria canyon to about cyphers. the middle fork to hunting lodge was essentially bug free, and from cito thro cathedral rock/clark's fork and shaffer's pass, few to no mosquitoes were in evidence.

we found the meals well supplied with gator aid, which we adults mostly discarded, and plenty of protein (we aren't from texas) and adequate for a normal stomach size without supplementation. we found both p.j. and ute gulch adequately provisioned, but maybe they ran out and were not resupplied.

mark anderson did say that small fires were approved for hypothermia and extreme cold, but only program and boiler fires were otherwise permissible.

i remain amazed that anyone would find it necessary to carry a pack (with food and water included) weighing over 45 lbs at philmont. my basic i-frame (gregory shasta) fully packed is less than 28 lbs, plus 6 lbs of water and whatever food is needed on top of that. (i have shaved off about 7 lbs since my first trek - 3 poly nalgenes weigh 4.5 oz. less than 3 lexan nalgenes, etc.) my lnt master trainer and long distance hiker charlie thorpe's basic pack is 22 lbs. my motto is the lighter the pack the greater the enjoyment. also, i have seen pots, water bottles, shoes and much more swinging from packs (carbiners galore). the fatigue value of these swinging things seems to me outweigh the apparent advantage of easy access. maybe more cubic inches is the answer.

we saw plenty of pilot to bombardiers. we only had a single use for the udigit i carry, just in case.

jackson morris, contingent planner for gulf ridge council, 608-k1, k2 & k3

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Thu Jun 24 14:08:11 2004