Originally Posted By: Blast
Quote:
emerged with our ponchos w/liners,patrol hats, canteen w/cups, kives and fire making ability. everything else was just extra weight and after days with minimal to no food and water at a premium things feel like they are made out of lead.


That's a very good point. Things definately weigh more after a few days without food. The usual problem is most people lack the skills needed to travel light, so they fall back on gear. If you look at someone like Nessmuck or the Alps Iceman you'll see people that would travel long distances through the wilds with little more than a blanket, knife and fire kit.

The problem is we can't predict the future. If I thought the only risk I faced was getting lost then the blanket/knife/fire would be all I'd bring. However, if I then break a leg I'd probably be screwed. So I pack a few things for that possibility. Then I think of a few more dangers and more gear is added. Soon I was ending up with the 30lb day hike pack, which, quite frankly here in Texas is silly. I've pared it down to my survival kit which I've posted in the past, some water bottles, and a first aid kit. I want to enjoy the freedom of the woods without a hospital/military surplus store on my back.

-Blast, just rambling


Are you aware that Ozzie the Iceman was murdered? They found at least one arrow wound in his back. Seems that he was (most likely) attacked for his herd/goods. He escaped his attackers by going uphill but became weakened by loss of blood. He took shelter but died of a combination of blood loss and hypothermia.

So I should be carefull about drawing too many conclusions about how much or little he had. I think that the goods found with him were his E.D.C. Every thing else was taken by his attackers/murderers.
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I don't do dumb & helpless.