[at-l] "Back then..." comparisons 1979-2004

[Raphael Bustin]

[Vic Hoyt:]
> > You're wrong about the Thermarest. I was one of only
> > two people in the group I hiked with who did not
>have one. I was on the Colin Fletcher kick, and
> > swore by Ensolite. The Thermaresters all finished,
> > and I did not. Hmmm...


[Toe:]
>### If it helps, I remember only two Thermarests at
>the beginning of the hike. Both were retired as
>useless hulks at The Place, after weeks of frustration
>in inflation/deflation and holes. (Don't know of
>owners made it, though.)


My Thermarest (shortie) has seen 3/4 of the
trail and then some, no leaks ever.  It's anything
*but* a useless hulk.  Toe says "frustration,"
I say elation.

 From the 1990 "Philosopher's Guide":

  "Most thru-hikers are now carrying a ThermaRest,
  usually the lightweight 3/4 length variety.  Several
  hikers reported going the entire distance without
  a single leak simply by being careful to remove
  sharp rocks and sticks before stretching it out."

My Thermarest never goes on bare ground.  It's
always either a shelter floor or my tent.  I've
carried the repair kit with me all those miles,
and felt foolish for doing so.  I don't carry a
footprint or ground cloth.

The thing I miss is having a pad to sit on
during long breaks or at camp while making
dinner.  I wouldn't use the thermie that way.


rafe b
aka terrapin


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