John Christiana
New member
mistakes
okay, okay, I have made quite a few backpacking mistakes, and don't have time now to name them all. But again, after all the hiking/backpacking/climbing experience I now have, and always being open to learning from others, I have retained quite a bit. Yes, the smartest people know they do not know everything and can always learn from others. I hope you all agree here.
In 2004, when I climbed Deanli with Frodo, Thom, Peter Anderson and gang, I knew I was with 5 very experienced guys and I was open to learn from them. In fact, when we split into 2 groups at 9,000 feet - 3 of us to continue to the summit and 3 went back down (Ben, Frodo and I went up), I remember Peter Anderson said to me - at that time - that my strengths on the team were:
1) Two climbs at high altitude - Kilimanjaro and Elbrus (18,500 and 19,300 feet)
and more importantly
2) I was the biggest team player on the team, getting along with everyone. I took this as a high compliment. I know and understand that that is a crutial element for a team to succeed.
As far as hiking boots, boy, I learned that good sturdy boots are important when I hiked by myself on King's Peak in Utah. (my friend cancelled for some reason at the last minute???)
Anyway, again on my REI talks, I discuss boots and advise everyone that this is probably your most important decision in clothing type gear. You should try on many pairs and walk around, even go for a hike, normally REI would let you exchange them.
People ask me what I have. I purchased Zamberlan. but I also advise that there are many good brands. When I bought my pair, I tried on 3 boots, and 2 of the pairs were a little "stiff". but the pair I bought was comfortable RIGHT THERE IN THE STORE. I felt like I was wearing tennis shoes! The point here is they really do not need to be stiff in the beginning, if you are patient and get the right pair to start with!!!! In other words, don't settle for the wrong pair of boots!
As far as Everest type boots (which you need to get a size too big as your foot swells at altitude), they have a very limited life, so breaking them in is limited, in my opinion. Millet worked great for me. Don't skimp.
John
okay, okay, I have made quite a few backpacking mistakes, and don't have time now to name them all. But again, after all the hiking/backpacking/climbing experience I now have, and always being open to learning from others, I have retained quite a bit. Yes, the smartest people know they do not know everything and can always learn from others. I hope you all agree here.
In 2004, when I climbed Deanli with Frodo, Thom, Peter Anderson and gang, I knew I was with 5 very experienced guys and I was open to learn from them. In fact, when we split into 2 groups at 9,000 feet - 3 of us to continue to the summit and 3 went back down (Ben, Frodo and I went up), I remember Peter Anderson said to me - at that time - that my strengths on the team were:
1) Two climbs at high altitude - Kilimanjaro and Elbrus (18,500 and 19,300 feet)
and more importantly
2) I was the biggest team player on the team, getting along with everyone. I took this as a high compliment. I know and understand that that is a crutial element for a team to succeed.
As far as hiking boots, boy, I learned that good sturdy boots are important when I hiked by myself on King's Peak in Utah. (my friend cancelled for some reason at the last minute???)
Anyway, again on my REI talks, I discuss boots and advise everyone that this is probably your most important decision in clothing type gear. You should try on many pairs and walk around, even go for a hike, normally REI would let you exchange them.
People ask me what I have. I purchased Zamberlan. but I also advise that there are many good brands. When I bought my pair, I tried on 3 boots, and 2 of the pairs were a little "stiff". but the pair I bought was comfortable RIGHT THERE IN THE STORE. I felt like I was wearing tennis shoes! The point here is they really do not need to be stiff in the beginning, if you are patient and get the right pair to start with!!!! In other words, don't settle for the wrong pair of boots!
As far as Everest type boots (which you need to get a size too big as your foot swells at altitude), they have a very limited life, so breaking them in is limited, in my opinion. Millet worked great for me. Don't skimp.
John
