View Full Version : Do you drop your pack?
Iceman
04-26-2006, 08:52 AM
I've been taught never to drop my pack because you never know when you might need something inside it.
There have been times when I have broken this cardinal rule. One example is after doing Algonquin and Iroquois, we dropped our packs and did Wright. I was totally exhausted when we got to the spur trail for Wright and I knew that I should not attempt it. I announced to the group that I was heading back but everyone else had dropped their pack and was heading up. Not wanting to head back alone, I dropped my pack and followed suit. Even without my pack I was still struggling to put one foot in front of the other. I made it to the top and back to the packs when my climbing partner asked me if I was glad that I got Wright today. I said no, because I could have gotten seriously hurt. I would have rather come back and do it when I had fresh legs.
I've been taught never to drop my pack because you never know when you might need something inside it.
There have been times when I have broken this cardinal rule. One example is after doing Algonquin and Iroquois, we dropped our packs and did Wright. I was totally exhausted when we got to the spur trail for Wright and I knew that I should not attempt it. I announced to the group that I was heading back but everyone else had dropped their pack and was heading up. Not wanting to head back alone, I dropped my pack and followed suit. Even without my pack I was still struggling to put one foot in front of the other. I made it to the top and back to the packs when my climbing partner asked me if I was glad that I got Wright today. I said no, because I could have gotten seriously hurt. I would have rather come back and do it when I had fresh legs. Pack dropping aside, if I had gotten that far and felt lousy, I would have told my partners that I'm not up for the third peak. Either waiting at the junction or returning to the TH would have been fine for me, but if I didn't feel comfortable doing that, the partners I prefer to hike with would understand and save it for another day. Ideally these issues should be discussed in advance of the hike. As for dropping packs, I personally would never hike up a mountain with no pack, but that's just me. Some people bring small fanny packs with emergency items for this purpose, and drop the larger pack.
I voted, "every chance I get" which of course depends on the situation. :D
How about dropping the pack at Marcy Dam for a side trip up Colden?
This winter I dropped my pack at the bottom of the last steep pitch on Big Slide (trail junction), 15 mins from Santanoni and at Times Square for Panther, in the final low point before Colden's summit. At the Wright trail junction. In the col between Street and Nye. Before doing Sawteeth. Probably more than that but those occasions spring to mind. It is so nice to hike without a pack!
NukedRocket
04-26-2006, 11:04 AM
Only time I've done it I had hiked in from Upper Works to Uphill Brook L/T with a full pack, dumped it and climbed Cliff before dark with just a fanny pack. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. ;)
Iceman
04-26-2006, 11:13 AM
I was taught that the pack is like your lifeline. You should never leave it. Even if hiking in a group, at least one person should carry a pack.
Iceman
Silverback
04-26-2006, 11:57 AM
Dropped mine to fit through the jungle gym on Cliff.
adkdremn
04-26-2006, 12:52 PM
I've done it before. This winter I dropped it to do Wright and then made it halway up Boundary and thought, man why I am still carrying this I should have left it at the junction. So I dropped it on Boundary and did Iroquois without it. But, like Rik said I carried a few snacks and water with me.
daLunartik
04-26-2006, 01:09 PM
As others have mentioned, depends on the circumstances. I usually have compass and knife on my person. My camelback is usually in a "snowbowl" insulated pack, which I can easily pull out of the hydration sleeve and use just as a hydration pack.
When dropping your pack, where do you do so? i.e. next to / visible from the trail or off trail and out of sight? I have always preferred to drop my pack off trail, and mark the location with my gps - partially to preserve other hikers experience w/out "littering" the trail and partially to prevent anything from "walking off" (either from a well meaning hiker or from a pilfering scoundrel).
-M
Iceman
04-26-2006, 01:44 PM
Maybe this is my inexperience showing here but what happens if you decide that you want to change from snowshoes to crampons after you've already dropped your pack?
pete_hickey
04-26-2006, 01:46 PM
I never do it when alone. With a group, and a short run, and I have confidence in the other(s), I will.
Oh.. I did it once when I was alone. I had an accident. I was glad to a) find my pack, b) get back to it. I'll never forget the releif I had when I got to it. Never again alone, unless it's less than 0.1 mile... in nice weather.... on a trail..
timmus
04-26-2006, 01:58 PM
Me too, never when I'm alone.
When I did Allen, I saw all those packs hanged on trees at the bottom of Allen Brook. I thought about doing the same thing, but couldn't figure how I would get myself out of a bad situation without all my gear...I felt very jealous though.
When I'm with other people I don't mind at all. Well, once, our lunatic leader dropped his pack on our way to Cliff, and he left his compass in the pack. Good thing I had one, because we were stuck in a whiteout, and we realized we were circling around the summit since 45 minutes ! Pfftt, lousy leader !
pete_hickey
04-26-2006, 04:54 PM
Well, once, our lunatic leader dropped his pack on our way to Cliff, and he left his compass in the pack. What a doofus!!!!
You know... I was kind'a hoping you wouldn't see this thread...
Dropped mine to fit through the jungle gym on Cliff.
We dropped our poles at the second set of cliffs, and regretted it.
Skyclimber
04-26-2006, 07:14 PM
I was taught that the pack is like your lifeline. You should never leave it. Even if hiking in a group, at least one person should carry a pack.
Iceman
My rule of thumb NEVER LEAVE YOUR PACK!!!!!! PERIOD!! It only takes a minute to get hurt.
The one and only time I did leave my pack, I wrapped my head in a tree thumper and cut my head and was bleeding. Fortunately another hiker came along and helped with First Aid.
Boreal Chickadee
04-26-2006, 10:37 PM
I never drop my pack but that's probably because I hike alone with my son and I won't take chances.
Mavs00
04-27-2006, 07:08 AM
:oops: I drop mine on occasion, and usually just for small strecthes and oddly enough, I've only ever done it in winter. Not counting droppin an overnight pack at base to knock off a peak, slack pack style.
I admit, you do have to be carful, Last winter I dropped my pack on phelps, figuring about 1/3 the way up to blitz the top. Figuring it'd be about 20-30 minutes without. Turns out, I was out of it for about 1.5 hours.
I've I were a lesser man, I'd probably died out there without it :D
Nessmuk
04-27-2006, 07:23 AM
In my case, its usually pack plus Hornbeck canoe that I may drop when I'm bushwhacking to the next beaverpond. I'll drop it if I'm in a rough area and want to scout ahead a bit for the best route. I may be looking to pick up an old ghost trail in witchhobble, or the best way across a steep ravine to minimize my ups and downs. It might be for 10-15 minutes or so. It can be scary though, because unless I am very careful about choosing a recognizable spot, it could be difficult to find again. I've had my share of adrenalin-high experiences in that regard. :eek: I avoid dropping it unless I can identify something large and clearly visible in the landscape nearby. Map and compass and small emergency kit always go with me when I'm out of sight of my pack.
Sparky
04-27-2006, 07:18 PM
No, I've never done it. Not that anyone would want to the junk I carry, it's meaningful and potentially helpful to me if anything were to go wrong.
Iceman
04-27-2006, 07:34 PM
I was wondering when the possibility of someone walking off with your pack was going to be mentioned. I thought that kind of thing only happens in NJ.
I was wondering when the possibility of someone walking off with your pack was going to be mentioned. I thought that kind of thing only happens in NJ. Though I'm apparently in your camp when it comes to dropping packs, I think few people would want to carry additional weight over a long distance (presumably they have their own to begin with. Plus the fact that hikers/backpackers are a nice sort! :smile: It depends upon where we're talking about. Closer to the trailhead, the greater the risk, I would imagine. On the other hand, people leave all sorts of stuff in lean-tos and go hiking for the day, and I don't recall hearing of many problems with that.
Dick
MattC
04-27-2006, 08:47 PM
Another vote for "sometimes." One time when I was with three others, I went about a mile one way and back w/o it, from Black Dome to Thomas Cole and back. In addition to we four, there were several others around that day.
Another time last winter, myself and two others dropped packs on Peekamoose, shot over to Table and back. Both times I carried some water and a few other things. Both instances were by far the farthest I've gone packless.
If I'm alone, I won't go more than a tenth of a mile or so w/o it. Basically this just means I drop it when I'm stopped for a break and maybe I wander around a bit wherever I am. One issue to definitely be careful with is leaving food unattended. Unlike Rik, I've never been a victim of pine marten pilfering, but I imagine that sort of thing happens quite often. Both times I mention above were in winter, so I figured at least bears probably wouldn't be an issue. There's always plenty of little critters around though, and of course birds.
Matt
Paul the Explorer
04-27-2006, 09:52 PM
although I would never say never...I never have, up to this point
mikeharo
04-27-2006, 09:57 PM
I pack everything, even to the point of foolish excess. I never leave my pack either. My partner, on the other hand, is a minimalist and leaves her pack whenever she can.
Pinpin Jr
05-05-2006, 07:31 AM
Hi Iceman.
Every time when I hike and need to come back by the same way I drop the pack, but only when I was sure wath I need for the summit: snowshoes or crampons, extra cloth over the trees line.....
Solo or with a group do not make a big difference for me, my approach is fast and light.
I know I taked a risk, but I am ready to accept this think.
The only time We had a not realy good experience was last Summer in Granite Peak the hight point of Montana, just before the glacier We stay not the pack but Ski poles and a part of food, Janet never find her Ski poles Eric and Jonathan lose a part of ski poles dragone, the guilty was a mountain goat, probably attract bu the salt.. :eek:
Or the mother goat tinking her young need ski pole!!!! :D
Never stay my pack directly in the ground always in a branch, in Adk area after a couple 46 rounds You know where is the best place to meet a pine martin and at this place I need to drop my before or after.
With a group, specialy with the new hikers a couple of time I saw big eyes when I dropped my pack, but after a couple hikes if it is not at this time they addopted the same approach, but I do not recommande this thing if You are not confortable with this thing.
Pinpin Junior.
percious
05-08-2006, 04:07 PM
The only time We had a not realy good experience was last Summer in Granite Peak the hight point of Montana, just before the glacier We stay not the pack but Ski poles and a part of food, Janet never find her Ski poles Eric and Jonathan lose a part of ski poles dragone, the guilty was a mountain goat, probably attract bu the salt.. :eek:
Or the mother goat tinking her young need ski pole!!!! :D
I bet you don't have to worry about that in NJ!!!!
:D
-percious
Peaker
05-16-2006, 11:39 AM
Hi all. Seeing as though we're on the subject, I was wondering how wise / safe it would be to drop a large overnight pack at a lean-to, continuing on with a smaller day pack, and returning to the lean-to later in the evening. I know it's done often, but is theft ever an issue? Maybe not of the pack itself, but of its contents? Any special precautions that should be taken?
We're planning our first of several overnight trips this summer and the thought of hauling a multi-day pack up and down some of the more challenging peaks is a little daunting. Any advice would be appreciated!
Hi all. Seeing as though we're on the subject, I was wondering how wise / safe it would be to drop a large overnight pack at a lean-to, continuing on with a smaller day pack, and returning to the lean-to later in the evening. I know it's done often, but is theft ever an issue? Maybe not of the pack itself, but of its contents? Any special precautions that should be taken?
We're planning our first of several overnight trips this summer and the thought of hauling a multi-day pack up and down some of the more challenging peaks is a little daunting. Any advice would be appreciated!
Of course, the answer will be: it depends! :D
Thieves are very lazy. They will not generally walk 5 miles up a mountain to rip you off. There are exceptions of course.
If I was in your place, I would leave my pack near the lean-to but not in it, hidden from view. If you leave food, it's a good bet some kind of critter will try to get into it, so a bear vault or whatever is a good idea.
If we ever leave our backpacks in an lean-to...in exchange for wearing our daypacks up the peaks,my hiking partner in I have used a bikelock to lash our packs together. So,, if anyone wanted em bad enough to steal em, they would end up with alot of weight!
daLunartik
05-16-2006, 02:36 PM
I understand the idea of leaving food in your pack may/will be tempting for critters. Just curious as to the reasoning behind hanging a pack on a tree vs. leaving it on the ground. Less likely hood of critters getting into the pack (spiders, ticks, porcupines, martins, etc)? I imagine a hanging pack would keep out a porcupine or martin, but would do nothing to deter a bear (obviously removal of food is the option in that case) Is it bBetter visibility on the return trip(vs. relying on a GPS waypoint)?
I like the idea of a bike lock. The peace of mind may be worth the few extra ounces. I understand theives are lazy, and are not likely to snag your pack when it's 5 miles in, but what about a shorter distance on a more heavily travelled trail?
For example, last July 4th, I took two of my cousins (18 & 20) on what was going to be their first real overnight in the woods - a Catskills hike up Wittenberg and Cornell, overnight in the col and then up and over Slide the next day. Needless to say, a mile and a half in, the hip belt buckle on one of packs blew out (my oldest pack, but not the one I was carrying). Since this was their first time carring a real pack, I opted to use it as a teaching lesson of "constant re-evaluation" of your situation and presented to them the option of continuing the overnight, changing the plan to a dayhike and just bagging Witt and Cornell or simply bailing right then and there. They opted for the dayhike, and since we were so close to the trailhead, and there was a quite a bit of traffic on the trail, we hiked off trail a bit, dropped our packs and marked it with a GPS waypoint, which we used to retrieve them on the way back. Had we been closer to the summit, or less traffic on the trail, I still would have gone off trail to leave the packs, but may not have been so adamant about how far off trail. We did shuffle some of the food and water into a daypack I was carrying, but of course left the bug spray behind, much to the delight of the black flies on the summit....
Those little varmints are sure to get your food the moment you turn your back. On a day trip its easy to stuff your pockets with all your food. Make sure and leave all your pack's pockets wide open so the little gnawing beggers don't bother to gnaw through your nice Northface Pack. They'll just stick there snouts in each and every pocket, see no percentage in expending any energy for nuthin and hie outta there.
In order to hang my pack in as civilized a manner as possible I always carry a 6 foot tall mahogany and brass valet.
lumberzac
05-16-2006, 04:36 PM
In order to hang my pack in as civilized a manner as possible I always carry a 6 foot tall mahogany and brass valet.
Doesn't everybody? :D
MattC
05-17-2006, 09:36 PM
As to the leaving stuff behind while you climb a peak thing-never thought of the bike lock. Interesting idea, but I have always just carried my big pack w/less stuff in it while going out from camp and back, rather than bringing my daypack along on a backpack trip.
How about this idea-when you leave your tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc., bring along all the stuff sacks, straps, etc. Unless they had room in an empty pack, a thief would have to carry this stuff in their hands, unstuffed/unpacked. I suppose some might still do it, but at least it might be a bigger pain in *** for them. :twisted:
Matt
pete_hickey
05-17-2006, 09:54 PM
I've seen.. at MEC, I beleive.. a steel 'net' bag, which the pack goes in, and the bad is then locked to something solid. It is made more for travellers, than for hikers/backpackers, but it sure seemed effective.
MattC
05-17-2006, 10:08 PM
I've seen.. at MEC, I beleive.. a steel 'net' bag, which the pack goes in, and the bad is then locked to something solid. It is made more for travellers, than for hikers/backpackers, but it sure seemed effective.
I guess you mean this: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444193 2025&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302861417&bmUID=1147917932421
Matt
Jay H
05-18-2006, 07:17 AM
I have one of those that I used one time when I flew with my backpack to Hong Kong/China/Hawaii, however, frankly, I never used it in recent trips to Alaska and out west, just used a large duffel bag. Never had a problem with or without it.
The alternative purpose of the pacsafe is it does a decent job of keeping the straps all in if you don't use a duffel on the outside.
Jay
AlpineSummit
05-18-2006, 08:59 AM
Almost never, but I do encourage others to - and then usually carry some of their stuff.
five_head
06-15-2006, 08:06 AM
Dropped mine to fit through the jungle gym on Cliff.
Ditto! That was the only way through when I did Cliff a couple years ago.
Ditto! That was the only way through when I did Cliff a couple years ago.
Not our packs, but we did drop our poles. And when we got to the slop on top, we regretted it.
Iceman
06-15-2006, 08:45 AM
My trip up Redfield and Cliff is what actually prompted me to start this thread. I could not understand why everyone was so eager to drop their packs at the base of Cliff. Once we got to the thick stuff, I could understand why. Since I was the only one that did not drop my pack, I had a hard time following the rest of the group. Without packs, the were able to go a lot faster and had less of a problem fitting between trees. Some spots were a tight squeeze for me but I mangaged to make it through with my pack on. My Goretex jacket took a real beating but my pack was fine.
I still don't like the idea of dropping my pack but for the upcoming winter season, I'm going to try the fanny pack idea.
ADKJack
06-15-2006, 10:39 PM
I have always thought that being prepared started with proper planning and packing prior to a climb. I have learned that sometimes things do not go as planned, imagine that!
However I can only think of one time I dropped my pack to "bag" a peak and actually since I had been up that particular mountain twice before it really was'nt peak bagging.
In march I planned a trip up algonquin from heart lake. I have done this in the summer but wanted to bag it as a winter 46er. Weather was gray and snowing as I started but started to clear up as the morning progressed. At the split for Marcy dam there was about 18" fresh snow so I had the pleasure of breaking trail all the way up. It was still great, about 3/4 of the way up wright the sun came out, so I thought, actually I had just climbed above the low cloud cover Once I realized this I decided to go up wright to get a better view of the weather situation, Once I got on the bare rock I could see a decent storm moving in quickly from the west. Algonquins summit was completely socked in already as this peak and Marcy often create their own weather so I knew that summit was out of the question, I could tell by the speed the storm was coming I had about enough time to run up to the top of wright, so I dropped my pack at a cairn and took off, I made the summitt just as visibility was dropping turned back got my pack, poles put on my snowshoes and headed back down.
I know there are times that I am probably very safe to leave a pack behind but I figure if you pack properly it should not be a big deal so I leave it on.
paul ron
03-01-2010, 09:11 AM
MY friend n I dropped our packs to do a bushwhack on the way out to our car to hit another mtn. But we did pack up an emergency day pack, leaving our heavy overnight gear lightened our load.
The day packs we always carry are string bags the kids carry their school books in. They pack alot of stuff and weigh almost nothing, always ready for side trips.
Never leave home without it.
Paradox
03-01-2010, 09:55 AM
I'd have to say, that I col 'em as I see 'em. :D
Murph
03-08-2010, 08:18 PM
I often drop my pack at Jct. close to the summit, but I carry a smaller light weight pack with all the essentials (food, water, first aid, extra jacket. etc...) up the last part of the trail. Nancy, HOL had this light pack and I liked hers so much I got one and love it. It is extremely light and fits inside my larger pack, ready to pull out when needed. It is also waterproof.:)
Foottraffic
03-10-2010, 06:33 AM
I often drop my pack at Jct. close to the summit, but I carry a smaller light weight pack with all the essentials (food, water, first aid, extra jacket. etc...) up the last part of the trail. Nancy, HOL had this light pack and I liked hers so much I got one and love it. It is extremely light and fits inside my larger pack, ready to pull out when needed. It is also waterproof.:)
What pack?
1ADAM12
03-24-2010, 04:45 PM
I can honestly say I never left my pack behind this winter to go tag a summit! :)
vieWseeker
03-25-2010, 06:19 AM
Summer or winter I have never dropped pack, I don't find that it is that much of a +. Besides It has everything i need in it. It does not weight alot so why bother to carry another pack just to drop it.
Zer0-G
03-25-2010, 09:06 AM
I never drop my pack...because I believe it is your lifeline...
What I do, in lieu of dropping the pack is simply dump out all of it's contents, then I get to carry my pack to the top as any good hiker should....:D ..... :rolleyes:
Jay H
03-25-2010, 09:42 AM
If I'm going to drop my pack to bag a peak, the peak better be small enough to fit in my pocket. :D
Jay
vieWseeker
03-26-2010, 07:07 AM
I don't carry another smaller pack with me unless I have my huge weekend/week pack with me. Don't carry one on day trips but I just bought the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack (http://www.paragonsports.com/product/Sea-To-Summit-Ultra-Sil-Day-Pack_10551_10051_5220402_-1.htm)and at 2.4 oz. its not a burden to carry it.
Sure is Cute, its even a key Ring...:D:razz:
vieWseeker
03-26-2010, 11:12 AM
I think they use the whole key ring thing to show how small it packs down to :razz: Have fun carrying all your crap to the top :D lol
:D :D :D :D LMAO :razz: :razz: :razz:
SummitHat
04-11-2010, 01:47 AM
Usually everyone in our group chooses to keep their stuff with them, always. I certainly do. We've all had experiences where somewhere along the trail there's been an unforeseen need for the first aid kit, extra electrolytes, dry clothing, etc.
On longer hikes we'll hang several of the packs at a convenient spot, put the extra water bottles in my pack, and I'll carry the group's stuff up the extra peaks. It allows us to do the short spur trails light, while ensuring we have the safety stuff if/when needed.
WestportHiker
04-11-2010, 08:24 AM
Just sharing if anyone hasn't seen this already, but sea to summit has this really light pack that stuffs up smaller than a baseball.
It is here:
http://www.rei.com/product/799600
I plan on using this instead dropping my pack. It is so light, you won't notice the extra weight, and perfect for stuffing an extra layer, camera, water bottle, and a granola bar for that last push to the summit.
Just sharing if anyone hasn't seen this already, but sea to summit has this really light pack that stuffs up smaller than a baseball.
It is here:
http://www.rei.com/product/799600
I plan on using this instead dropping my pack. It is so light, you won't notice the extra weight, and perfect for stuffing an extra layer, camera, water bottle, and a granola bar for that last push to the summit.That's very interesting, thanks for the link! :tup:
That being said, if I drop my pack, it's not because the PACK is heavy, it's because of what's IN the pack! :D
One example is after doing Algonquin and Iroquois, we dropped our packs and did Wright.
I drop my pack at the Wright junction and then do Algonquin-Iroquois.
looncry
05-05-2010, 06:33 PM
I never do it when alone. With a group, and a short run, and I have confidence in the other(s), I will.
Oh.. I did it once when I was alone. I had an accident. I was glad to a) find my pack, b) get back to it. I'll never forget the releif I had when I got to it. Never again alone, unless it's less than 0.1 mile... in nice weather.... on a trail..
What of it ,Pete? The Avatar is really scary;) looncry
john43
05-11-2010, 03:52 PM
Every chance I get. Clip a water bottle to a belt loop and I'm free flying. Sometimes I just chug a half liter then go.
Edelpeddle
08-11-2011, 02:51 PM
I only drop it when I stop, I try not to ever leave it behind. On the topping of dropping packs, Rangers in Olympia Park in Washington suggested that hikers only leave their pack on the ground straps up and when they set it down, do so 100 feet or so off trail when possible because the salt from your sweat on the straps attracts mountain goats to the trail. They made the warning after a mountain goat killed a hiker. I wonder if that same salt also attracts bears and moose.
hikerdude007
08-11-2011, 03:17 PM
When I'm with other people I don't mind at all. Well, once, our lunatic leader dropped his pack on our way to Cliff, and he left his compass in the pack. Good thing I had one, because we were stuck in a whiteout, and we realized we were circling around the summit since 45 minutes ! Pfftt, lousy leader !:?:
Trying to get why some very experienced hikers would;
1] try to summit in a whiteout?
2]meander around for 45 minutes in a white out instead of going down?
Not trying to preach here, just curious from a educational standpoint if its good to let hikers think thats acceptable?I do also understand people have various levels of stamina and climbing experience.I also am very guilty of summit madness in winter and hope to get some positive feedback here....hikerdude.
Alpine1
08-11-2011, 03:33 PM
Maybe the whiteout happened as they neared the summit and once caught in the condition had a hard time finding there way?
:?:
Trying to get why some very experienced hikers would;
1] try to summit in a whiteout?
2]meander around for 45 minutes in a white out instead of going down?
Not trying to preach here, just curious from a educational standpoint if its good to let hikers think thats acceptable?I do also understand people have various levels of stamina and climbing experience.I also am very guilty of summit madness in winter and hope to get some positive feedback here....hikerdude.
RTSpoons
08-11-2011, 05:50 PM
I will join the usually don't crowd and the never say never group. You mentioned a side trip up Wright, not a very long distance, dropping your pack there doesn't to dangerous. Timmus mentioned the climb up Allen, I would never leave my pack behind the distance and climb is enough to present problems if something happen.
Let me use the Allen situation, I have walked all the way to the foot of Allen with the pack, now all I have to do is climb the trailed slope, why drop the pack, I just walk 98% of the way with it, the extra few hundred feet with pack should be no problem. Better safe than sorry.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I also like carry 25 pound weights in my pack, so I can get a workout without going to the gym.
WinterWarlock
08-12-2011, 08:16 AM
Holy thread resurrection!! :eek:
daLunartik
08-12-2011, 08:22 AM
Let me use the Allen situation, I have walked all the way to the foot of Allen with the pack, now all I have to do is climb the trailed slope, why drop the pack, I just walk 98% of the way with it, the extra few hundred feet with pack should be no problem. Better safe than sorry.
Never mind the question of where to store your beer! :drink:
http://www.utterlunarcy.com/hp/album.php?newGD&image&AllenMtn-117.jpg&600&aGUID=DQmaqC4oZ&albumKey=
meander around for 45 minutes in a white out instead of going down?
I'm not sure going blindly 'down' would help in this case. It might take you further from the trail, and/or your destination. However, if you are above tree line, 'down' might be better than nothing.
Deadeye
08-12-2011, 03:34 PM
I almost always hike alone, so my pack stays with me.
Hear the Footsteps
08-12-2011, 05:01 PM
I use a daypack size pack. Never drop it off.
Sometimes I carry a tripod and camera accessories. Fumbling with that gear is a pain. Packing it makes it easier.
I can see if I were carrying an overnight or weekend size pack that it would be tempting.
Don
adkhikermom
08-14-2011, 07:27 PM
I have a camera backpack so I almost never drop my pack. The exception was going up the last bit of East Dix when I only had a day pack with me and a point and shoot.
DackerDan
08-14-2011, 08:08 PM
This is quite the Zombie thread.
We always hike with a pack although I have not done Cliff yet. I will drop my overnight pack at camp and then repack a smaller day pack for the summits. So I guess you can say I drop 1/2 my pack. Because I am hiking with a child I feel compelled to carry a good (not minimal) first aid kit, plenty of food and water and some extra clothes and rain gear.
today all we each carried was a 16oz of h20 and we ended up dropping them -- every chance I get, I drop whatever I bother to carry. not for everyone, but works for me :)
"drop your own drop" "drop in , drop out" "drop no trace"
Highonlife
08-14-2011, 09:59 PM
today all we each carried was a 16oz of h20 and we ended up dropping them -- every chance I get, I drop whatever I bother to carry. not for everyone, but works for me :)
"drop your own drop" "drop in , drop out" "drop no trace"
I am with Inge here...drop it every chance I can, saves on energy ...depends what season on what I might carry to the summit or how far, maybe a small pack or nothing. To each their own.. like Inge says, it works for me but not for everyone:)
Interesting for an old thread;)
procook131
08-15-2011, 01:03 PM
I thought looncry was back.
I sometimes wonder if she lurks now. Plotting.....
Cory D
08-15-2011, 01:54 PM
I thought looncry was back.
Why? Was it, Icemans birthday!
Cory D
08-15-2011, 04:01 PM
Because she put the "loon" in lunatic if you heard more about the background things going on. PadW got the axe and then they tried again months later..and he ended up with the axe, again.
Never could understand why the beautiful woman with the poet's soul and a pure adoration for the mountains got banned and paddlewheel got to stay.
:wtf:
There, I've said it.
And never shall you understand because what happened out of the public's eye shall remain forever thus.
daLunartik
08-15-2011, 05:02 PM
Never could understand why the beautiful woman with the poet's soul and a pure adoration for the mountains got banned and paddlewheel got to stay.
:wtf:
There, I've said it.
And never shall you understand because what happened out of the public's eye shall remain forever thus.
holy cross forum politricks batman! :D
The backchannel on Looncry may have been chock full of nasty bits but on the surface she seemed harmless. Thus it makes some people wonder the reasoning (I'm not one of them).
PW was just plain offensive. Doubtful if anyone questioned that one - thankfully he wasn't a hiker and had no reason to troll this board.
Oh, and I still don't drop my pack! ;)
Wow, hiking is complicated! :twisted:
Who knew! :D
That's wrong thinking. Forum capacity for beautiful women should be infinite! Thank heaven we have plenty of them still here! The limit should be on nasty disgusting men...we should party in private, but be sharply limited in public!
I carry the pack. If I've carried it 99% of the way, what the heck is another 1%? Plus, if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. And, "Pain is weakness leaving the body." You should put a 20 lb rock in your pack at treeline and carry it up.
:D :D :D
Paradox
08-16-2011, 10:31 AM
I think more beautiful women should be encouraged to join the forum, and drop their packs when they deem it appropriate.
As for my pack, I col it as I see it.
Prino
08-16-2011, 05:15 PM
Nah, not at all. Don't you read my posts? Housecats like me purr themselves to sleep when they hear the lions growling. It's reassuring.
I don't drop my pack, but every once in a while, I lay down my arms.
I don't drop my pack either... only my pole! .... I only use one!
I see this thread's "tournure" as a sacrificial lamb. Kibitzing and totally off-topic nonsense, while almost unbecoming of a community such as this one probably does more good in the long run than harm (if any) in the short term as long as it doesn't permeate the rest of the forum or go totally out of control.
The poll is poorly designed btw. Questions one and three say the same thing to me. I drop my pack every chance I get which is synonymous with "sometimes, depends on the situation".
Prino
08-16-2011, 05:48 PM
I see this thread's "tournure" as a sacrificial lamb. Kibitzing and totally off-topic nonsense, while almost unbecoming of a community such as this one probably does more good in the long run than harm (if any) in the short term as long as it doesn't permeate the rest of the forum or go totally out of control.
The poll is poorly designed btw. Questions one and three say the same thing to me. I drop my pack every chance I get which is synonymous with "sometimes, depends on the situation".
Maybe we should drop the Poll then?! :D
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