by wildlight » Mon 13 Jul, 2015 10:41 am
Hey Corvus
Have done many multi-day wet ugly snow walks. I can't stand socks- even in the non-bush world, I am barefoot most of the time. I too have pondered the whole "wet foot" thing. The problem is- let's say you put on dry socks in the morning, it's only a few minutes before they're wet from something- so why carry a pair per day when you're just gonna end up with multiple pairs of wet socks?
I notice that what's more important- is being warm.
I feel the cold way less than most, get around in shorts even on the cold outbreak of this weekend, I was in shorts outdoors.
Regarding surviving Tassie scrub bashing, provided that the pack survives, then everything in it should be fine. Cuben is good- lightweight but does not last for ever. It needs replacing more often. Current pack is 2 years or 3 years old, has had a life- and it shows. A bit like the fat lady at the circus…
Without going into a drawn out discussion on what it will survive and what won't- my stuff and my approach work. Remember- and yes- a caution to newbies- this has been tweaked over a lifetime of refining. Pre internet, pre forums- learning by trial and error. I do come back from multi-day wet walks quite knocked about, never anywhere close to hypothermic- but the feet take a beating that multi pairs of socks won't prevent. Re the trench foot- yeah- I hear you. But irrespective of what I put on in the morning, they're wet within minutes, so to carry extra socks…?
Regarding the meal replacement stuff- it's not expensive- about $3-$4 for a meal, less than Backpackers Pantry. I don't use many of the latter- just the occasional booster (beef mince, spud), not so keen on their meals, most taste like cardboard. The mince, spud, scrambled eggs- can be eaten cold, just as powder.
Boots have never frozen in my tent, I lay them on their side and put them under the foot section of my bag. My feet soon warm them up in the morning, my feet almost always seem to be boiling hot, have had that all my life.
Regarding wet clothes drying in bed- rarely are they fully wet- I wouldn't cross a river just before camp- and clothes dry considerably as you generate heat from walking. Technique, clothing selection and thinking ahead have given me damp clothes at worst, but I am still warm.
Do realise here that everyone's different, reaction to and handling of conditions, situations- varies by person.
My mum- in her 90s now- was a holocaust survivor and an escapee from a POW. Now there's "ultralight" taken to the extreme. But she survived, and with far less than we have now. So from "being a kid" I had the following mantra drummed into me: "You can do it with much less stuff- why carry the baggage?".
It becomes a way of life.
Regarding your concern about my stuff surviving other than in benign Tassie summers- I accept your view. I carry good stuff- the quilt has had 250g extra down on top of Zpacks "best" spec put into it. I rarely zip the thing up. Got it in the 6' 6" size, about 8 inches or 10 inches too long- so I can crawl right into it when needed. And I do find that I need to, when I first jump in a bit damp.
It's just the way I roll- have done it that way for a long time. I don't always have as comfortable a time as those who might carry more- but I come back fine. I get out there to see things and take pictures, not to have all my domestic comforts with me. One thing that helps my body comfort a lot, is not layering up too much under my coat- I find that overdressing underneath makes life hell. What I put on is why stays on. Like I said- have carried spare "warms" but not used them, at least in the last few years, and that includes multi-day wet trips.
Regarding the stove and billy- yes, I carry a little gas canister and some self starting stove and ultra-light tiny pot, shich serves as billy, mug and prep vessel. I eat to get on with the next thing, not to enjoy the business of having food out there. I don't cook often out there- more work. I just get into something that can be eaten cold or hot- generally eat it cold, without prep.
I think back to early days of heavy packs- and wonder how I put up with it.
I do switch between Gatewood Cape and my newly acquired Chinook. The main 2 reasons for using the Chinook would be the uncertainty of being able to drive pegs into the ground (essential for Gatewood Cape deployment) and anticipating a tent-bound day or two, waiting for conditions to be right for photos. The Chinook is more of a livable option, with the 2 vestibules and door placement of the inner. The Cape has the door at one end, clumsy for doing stuff, accessing gear.
Hopefully this addresses it all- I'm sure your system works for you, as mine does for me. You would likely come back from your trips in less discomfort than I do- but I find a clear advantage in carrying less weight on my back.
A note to newbies- ease into this stuff. try it within cooee of your car, so you can bail back into warmth if something doesn't work as expected.
Also Corvus, as a resident of Vic, most of my walking happens here. Have done multi-day wet scrub in Tassie- believe me Vic can be ugly too! There is always the option of being able to light a fire here in Vic, though it's something I rarely do. My main mission at day's end is get into the tent / bag and relax. I sleep extremely well.
Cheers
WildLight