Please don't make me feel "small".

**Arson** · 11-06-2009, 13:37

I had a way too serious conversation the other day with a gram counter on how much "CRAP" I was dragging along on my hikes. This guy had to be at LEAST 50 pounds overweight.
All I could picture the whole time we talked was this guy sawing off the handle of his toothbrush while his boobs jiggled.
To top it off, all I had was a tarp and emergency bivy for shelter, and put it in a daypack for a short day hike.
I know I'm being critical, but this guy made me feel like a total tourist who would quickly die the minute I stepped off trail.
I brought up hammocks and he blew them off because they're "just too much crap to take along."
The end of the conversation was him heading back to the car while I kept on down the trail.
I like Hammock Forums because no one here makes me feel "small".

**Cannibal** · 11-06-2009, 13:44

Those people should be ignored; all there is to it.
Met lots and lots of those people the first 100 miles of the AT. After that, strangely enough, I didn't see too many of them.

**Walking Bear** · 11-06-2009, 13:45

Some people on the trail and off seem to have a problem with just about everything. I don't comment to hikers about what they carry so that I don't open that can of worms. I had one hiker in Maine comment that I give up the small 8 ounce pillow after a while, he was correct.

**pgibson** · 11-06-2009, 13:48

I am with you. I really got into another forum early this year, all about cutting weight down and I posted my gear list, got some good suggestions and got some what are you thinking! type stuff, I was about 20 pound base load at that point, I cut a few pounds out with some of the good suggestions but when I tried to justify some of my "luxury" items I got tore apart again and then when I asked for any other thoughts I just go ignored. I latter found HF and the difference in attitude and helpfulness is tremendous. Hang here its better.

Paul

**CajunHiker** · 11-06-2009, 13:52

Pyop
Hyoh

**angrysparrow** · 11-06-2009, 13:55

Originally Posted by CajunHiker

Pyop

LOL

That must mean 'pack your own pack', but I read it in a much funnier way upon first seeing it.

**animalcontrol** · 11-06-2009, 13:57

yea, it takes all kinds
I have a buddy who reminds me of Chris Farley here

Dude straps on a pack and hikes like a machine! always amazes me.
The cheapest way for me to lighten my pack would be to lose about 20#, but talking about gear is WAY too much fun instead!
HYOH...in every shape and size

**animalcontrol** · 11-06-2009, 13:58

Originally Posted by Arson

II like Hammock Forums because no one here makes me feel "small".

You and I still need to get together so you cans see some gear...PM your schedule for the next week or so

**beep** · 11-06-2009, 13:59

FWIW, there are a fair number of BPL forum members who also hang out (pun intended!) at HF. I'm one of 'em.

I really enjoy the welcoming nature of HF and the general absence of flame wars, due in part to our members "civility" and in part to the diligence of our moderators.