Wow, Bob, certainly a welcoming and diverse-opinion-encouraging post. I believe that I will ignore your profanity, I wonder if that is typical of people of your town?
Am I obsessed with Ultralight technique? No, although I find it fascinating. For obsession, you'd have to look at Bob Rockwell. But don't worry, you've already managed to shut him up. I'm sure he would benefit from the collective wisdom of the heavyweight-style folks on this board, who can educate him properly.
But I like your suggestion at looking at what actually happens, and informing people based upon facts.
For example, this year, over 1400 people started out from Mexico on their way to walk to Canada. I won't say that they are all ultralighters, they are not. However, virtually all incorporate some aspect of ultralight techniques.
As far as I know, none has required a rescue due to inadequate gear.
But it certainly happens. Rarely.
But I'm curious: Ultralighters advocate careful studying of maps to ascertain water supplies, and carrying only a small reserve beyond what is needed to get from source to source.
Contrast that with those people who climb the MMWT carrying their water supply for the entire trip, measured in multiple gallons.
I wonder where you fall?
I also wonder about the sentiment advocated here often, that map skills are a waste of time, that GPS and SPOT have eliminated the need for such pedestrian knowledge. Interestingly, most ultralighters carry a altitude watch, and a GPS. And a map and compass.
I personally look at techniques of all persuasions, to find things that make sense, and enhance the experience. I find it sad that you, and others, do not take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, and look at options, bur rather just take a sniping approach to something that you apparently don't do (but probably actually do, as noted with the water issue)
