Backpacking with non-fanatics

“What do you do to cater to the fair weather backpackers you hike with?

Do you have backpack with people who are more than fair weather friends, but less than devoted to backpacking? People who you have to coddle a bit?

This past weekend, I was back packing with my girl friend. I do things differently when I backpack with her. She's a pretty good sport and can tackle some pretty good trails. We got 18 miles in 2 days (most of them easy though)... but I definitely approach things differently.

I go at a different pace, travel a little heavier and pack more comfort items. I always bring a stove and coffee if I'm with her, and bring some alcohol (I got her to switch from wine to Southern Comfort, because its lighter!).”

“What happens after she gets drunk? Try switching to 100 proof Southern Comfort, even lighter pack!”

“LOL! Actually, I was thinking about going to 100 proof.”

“What was it they say?

Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.”

“Well, I assume that when I start to take my daughter on short trips, that I'll be coddling her to some extent until she can start to carry more of her own load.

She won't be getting any Southern Comfort, though, lol...”

“I drank a whole bottle of that stuff about 5 years while camping with a bunch of work friends up in the Nicolet National Forest. That was the last time I have ever been able to do it.”

“Oh damn, you gotta watch that stuff. It'll make you sick. Or wish you were dead the next morning.”

“My wife has never gone backpacking with me. She does enjoy car camping though. I was surprised the first time we went she loved it. She grew up spoiled. Never camped in her life until I took her. If I remember right, she didn't even shower!”

“Isn't that growing up deprived?”

“Southern Comfort... wow, shades of Janis Joplin....”

“I think so. I did feel like death the next day, which is probably why I have not done it since. My stomach can not take it anymore. Plus the hangovers lasted longer.”

“Leave the lightweight hikers at home.”

“I no longer hike with non-fanatics.”

“I go into a hike knowing what it's going to be like. My buddy is a bit of a newbie but I have so much fun showing him new things and buying him cool gear. The best people I like hiking with are the ones who do know what they are doing but are not balls to the wall, "hiking isn't everything, it's the ONLY thing" types. I've hiked with that type and don't enjoy it much.”

“i thought we all wanted to be lightweight hikers...hmm..lol”

“To answer your original question pedxing, it all depends on what's the purpose of the hike. Is it to do miles, like our Pemi loop? Is it to enjoy a specific location, like 13 falls? Is it to do trail work?

Some people that I have hiked with I would never even suggest that they do a backpacking trip. It's a different animal entirely. I have a friend who I hike and backpack with, but I have to keep the miles down because his knees will not take death marches. My wife is a great hiker, but she is not a huge fan of backpacking unless there is a darn good reason to do so. Therefore I have learned to adjust my expectations to the individual with whom I'm hiking or backpacking.

For instance, if I were to go on a multiday trip with you and sirpete, I know that I will be the last one to arrive at camp. If I were to hike with my wife and friend, I will be the first. I suppose it all comes down to am I there for the hike, or am I there to enjoy the company of others?”

“Well I didn't like hiking with you either Nigal!















lol!”

“LOL! You are one of the FUNNEST ones! Hell the Hellen Keller and Ethiopian jokes alone make it worth the trip. Just as some feel that a shared love of hiking is enough to base a whole friendship on I feel that our shared distain for the French works the same way.”

“I like up and downs along the trail long days and short days rain is no problem and neather is snow.

Its just like the mail man they deilver and I hike in any weather and on any trail.

8)”

“Hey Mike, looks like we will have great weather this coming weekend!”

“I am going to check it out!


8)”

“Possible rain on Saturday, but daytime temps about 80, evenings high 50's.”

“50's is pimp in my book!


8)”

“Hell yea! My pack weight is under 20 pounds this weekend.”

“Mine is around 15.


8)”

“We should be able to fly then. Who is coming, ya know?”

“I'll call you tonight to get directions.”

“Cool!


8)”