I left the service with arctic survival school training. I entered university and my early outdoor field trips reflected an ultrapoor philosophy. We went to Anza-Boreggo and I nearly froze in a cheap sleeping bag. My next G.I. check came and I headed for the local ski shop. Sapphire blue and red were the hot colours. My salesman, and ultimately good friend had a single, puke green ARCTIC rated down bag he couldn't sell. I got it for 20% less than the 3 season bags. I sewed a canvas overbag that predated bivy sacks. Everybody laughed at my huge bag. Our next trip to Anza was met with a rare snowfall. 4 guys piled into a VW bug and slept sitting upright. I slept through it all and woke up with a desert mouse as companion. My latest sleeping system is universally condemned as too heavy and bulky compared to the industry average. My only regeret is not buying the prohibitively expensive german dachstein mountaineering sweater for the then high price of $120. I took my salesman up on another deal and bought a first generation Goretex anorak- and my last any generation goretex <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Some items can be rationally reduced in wieght. But until they sell dehydrated water I just remind myself what the NWMP demanded Klondikers haul up the Chilcooot Pass <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />.

I have been involved with several searches and recoveries. What I have found that most of the people that should know better don't prepare at all or they under estimate nature. So I guess the ones that should know better are the ultimate "Ultralighters" they just don't know they are an "Ultralighter" One mission I recall; a winter canoer(38 year old male) with a preteen child on a 10 mile trip. Brought food to eat on the way and beverages, and dressed for cold in their cotton jeans, athletic shoes, and several cotton sweat shirts. They were warm enough to sweat when paddling, got cold when they stopped and then really got cold when they got wet in the river. This was in February air temps at about 16 degrees and a considerable wind chill.

In any event I try to reduce weight as much as possible myself, but you have to know your limitations, know your gear, and know nature. I am getting old too, so I will work a little harder carrying more load for my comfort.

As for the ones that go unprepared...........you just can't cure stupid. Besides it is easier to blame someone, something, or the system.