Lophophaps wrote:Many years ago life was simpler. The gear weighed a lot more, it was not as good, and it was harder. Tents were usually single skin japara, sometimes with a fly. Flash tents had walls. Most tents were ridge, with a few Blacks Good companion, which needed about 26 pegs, just like the Bushgear Tawonga. Floors were separate.
Sleeping bags were very heavy, with one from NZ (Hallmark?) weighing 7 pounds. Blizzard jackets were oiled japara. Clothing was wool or cotton. Stoves were not carried often. Food was basic, mainly from the supermarket. Maps were ordinance survey, often an inch to the mile, the very helpful 1:63 360 or 1:100 000. Compasses were prismatic or a flat Silva, no mirror. Track notes were hard to come by and sketchy.
No GPS, no PLB, no comms, no lightweight gear, and a heap of other things that many today regard as essential.
However, most people survived, and it did not seem hard as that was all we knew. One thing that is no longer present is the adventure of going into the unknown, bereft of outside support.
Thanks Lophophaps ,just read this post,made me all nostalgic,& jogged what's left of the memory bank......We used to hike, with most of the gear coming from the local Army Disposal store,packs that weighed a ton,tents of canvas,that weighed two tons,when it rained,someone would say "don't touch the roof of the tent",sure enough, someone would & we would have a steady drip all night
....The clothing was also army surplus & as hot & itchy as anything,I used to wear pants called "jodphurs" (anyone remember them ?)......Also an essential part of our gear,a 22 rifle
I think I was about 12 yrs old when I started.........They were uncomplicated, good,fun,times
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