I keep seeing this. All these efforts to minimize the packing and the weight and then almost as an after thought "oh yeah, a bunch of wine". I have nothing against wine, and a "wine in a box" bladder can be very useful as a storage or flotation device, but I've always leaned toward bringing hard alcohol when weight or space is important. A small flask of scotch packs more buzz than the same weight of beer or wine. And if you go with something over 100 proof (%50 alcohol) you can use it sterilize items if you have a first aid issue. Transfer to a stainless steel hip flask to reduce concerns about carrying glass bottles. Granted there are also even lighter, more compact intoxicants, if that is your preference, though many of them are frowned upon by local law enforcement. I admit to suffering the ongoing struggle of gadget infatuation and minimalism. For me camping is something of a release from the burden of day to trappings, as long as don't go so minimal that basic comfort and health suffer. So I tend to over pack clothing, trying to cover all weather situations. Using a layering approach to keeping warm helps reduce the problems there. Also, at 6'2" I have trouble finding a tent that I fit in, without waking up with either feet or head up against the tent (and dripping wet as a result). I wonder what group of midgets do they use to calculate the "sleeps 3" rating on a tent. And none of these ratings assume you'll want anything other then 3 pygmies in sleeping bags, while I usually want to bring in other gear, to keep it close, or protect from the elements. My favorite tent to actually have room is a North Face Expedition 25. But that is a pretty serious and expensive tent 4 season tent. Plus its heavier. I keep eyeballing some of these bivy sack style tents with just enough space for a sleeping bag and wonder how they could be useful, if how I would fit inside and yet, for a minimal, get away from the world approach, they have a certain appeal. I might have to see if I can borrow or rent one sometime. I'll bring a stove, but I find that mostly I tend to prefer no-cook nibble food, carrots, celery, protein bars, dried meats and fruits, "trail mix", etc. and nibble during any available break. I'm not a coffee drinker, so firing up the stove in the morning for coffee is less of an issue, just plenty of drinking water. There also are times when a hot meal, boiling water, or extra heat source is important, so a stove is handy there. dave *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Aug 14 2000 - 12:49:06 PDT
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