Backpacking Myths

[mochilero]

I am working on a new page for my site called "Backpacking Myths and Half-Truths." It will cover things like the idea that coffee dehydrates you (it doesn't), and that alcohol can only cause harm when you're cold (actually, it can prevent frosbite - without causing hypothermia if you will soon be somewhere warm), and that hi-tech socks are best (I stopped getting blisters the day I switched to thin nylon dress socks).

What I need is some suggestions for other myths and half-truths. Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to contribute.

[orangebug]

All that squirts is Giardia.

Water treatment prevents gastrointestinal disturbances.

Cameling prevents dehydration.

Uphills are the hardest part of hiking.

[Kerosene]

Elevation change has a bigger impact on speed than the condition of the trail bed. [I've found that a rough trail slows me down considerably more than a 700'/mile climb on a smooth trail bed does.]

Your knees and feet won't feel the extra weight you're carrying as long as the pack rides well on your shoulders and hips.

You can capture the skunk investigating your shelter in a big plastic bag without having him spray you.

You'll see a bulls-eye rash before you feel any symptoms of Lyme Disease.

You don't need maps...or a first aid kit.

It's easy to hitch rides to and from trail towns.
You will really feel, look, and smell sexy after a 15-mile day.

[lobster]

"It's easy to hitch rides to and from trail towns."

Well, it's extremely easy when you are as good looking as I am!

[Cookerhiker]

Good idea conceptually but caution: what may be a "myth" for one hiker is a perfect truism for another. You'll receive a lot of personal preferences and choices disguised as "myths and half-truths."

[icemanat95]

Thick socks will keep your feet warm in the cold....a half truth. You need insulation, but if the bulk of the socks compresses the available airspace in your boots, your feet will get colder than they would have with a lighter pair of socks. My feet got substantially warmer skiing when I gave up thick socks and went to a liner sock...I also got a better connection to my boots and skis.

As far as hiking socks go, it all depends upon your foot wear and feet and hiking style, and how much your feet sweat and...

[Peaks]

Virginia is easy

[Skyline]

Shenandoah National Park is level, there are no rocks, you don't have to carry food because you can eat at buffets every day in the restaurants/lodges, and you can "easily" do 30-mile days thru the Park.

[rambunny]

Pennslvania is sooooooo scary!!!!!! Mt. Albert shake and tremble!!!!Loved yours Kerosene

[bulldog49]

Hammock hanging is better than tenting.

[lobster]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" width="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Pond Mountain is a killer!

People hike from the 1st Fontana rd. crossing heading north to the Fontana Hilton!
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[River Runner]

Hammock hanging is better than tenting.

It's a myth that bulldog knows what he's talking about.

[neo]

Virginia is easy

virgina is easy 20,25,30 miles per day no problem neo

[Skeemer]

...the girl Virginia was easy. She played hard to get with me.

Big, big myth..."You're too tired after hiking all day to care about having sex."

[mrmike48/4000]

the shelter is right around the corner, 20 min later it is still rite around the corner ....we are almost to the top, another false summit errrrrrr!!!!!! power bars taste great..... nitewalker

[carolinahiker]

Bears wont steal your food.

[rickb]

Cotton kills.

[rickb]

Synthetic sleeping bags are better than down for many backpackers because they retain their insulation capabilities when wet.

[icemanat95]

Cotton kills is a half truth

It's not a good idea in the cold weather, but in the heat of the Summer dipping your t-shirt into a stream and slapping it on is a nice thing.

[Cookerhiker]

<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 187953" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>bulldog49</TD><TD class=alt2>Hammock hanging is better than tenting.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It's a myth that bulldog knows what he's talking about.

An example of what I was referring to.

So here's my "myth": Alcohol stoves are better