DS and went for a hike today, my last day off for this holiday. He was complaining a bit about his pack being heavy on the first leg of the journey. It was a cold rainy day, which turned into a cold snowy day. The hot soup, fruit cake and hot chocolate, fire starting kits, emergency blankets, rope and extra sweaters, hats and mitts didn't seem nearly as heavy after we wikkied up and rewarmed by a nice fire.

Gear is only a pain until you need it and the knowledge in your head only seems like a waste of time until it saves your life!