RE: [Paddlewise] Tents

> From: Dave Uebele [mailto:daveu_at_sptddog.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 8:06 AM
> So perhaps a new question, what is the ideal kayak camping group size?
> For safety, I probably shouldn't paddle alone too much, but at what
> size does it get out of hand and needs to be divided into sub-groups.
> Also what sort of scaling of equipment makes sense? everyone 
> with their
> own cook gear, or one person in charge of meals for the group?
> Same with tents, sharing of tents, or everyone with a bivy sack
> or equiv?

  I think that this question is very dependent on the personalities involved
in the group and how much experience the various individuals have.  I get
_very_ uncomfortable if I have to rely on anyone else for anything. (ok -
it's a personality flaw<grin>)  As long as the length of the journey and the
size of the kayaks/backpacks don't dictate that gear must be shared for
purely logistical reasons I vastly prefer that everyone have all their own
gear with the possible exception of tents - but if you're sharing a tent
with me it _will_ be in my kayak/backpack.  It may seem like overkill, and
probably is, but if a group gets split up for any reason whatsoever it sure
is nice to have everything you need right there with you.  Perhaps it's an
extension of the "if you don't have it on you, you don't have it" concept.
  For some groups this would probably detract from the group experience, as
much satisfaction can be derived from working together closely as a group
and achieving your goals.
  Group paddling/camping is ideal for me at the 3-4 person level, 6 max.  I
used to lead 2-3 week long backpacking trips with group sizes ranging from
10-16 - way too many in my estimation.
  
Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
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