That one week last June where everything went wrong on the trail

I decided to do a 5 day solo hike near Mount Rainier and it was a disaster from day one. Day 2 my cheap camp stove's valve got stuck open and I almost set my tent on fire trying to boil water. Then my sleeping pad developed a slow leak that left me waking up on cold ground every night. By day 4 my water filter clogged up completely and I had to use iodine tablets for the last 2 days. Turns out I should have tested all my gear before heading out instead of assuming it was fine. Anyone else had a trip ruined by gear failures that could have been caught with a quick test?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse77324d ago

So you're saying it's the gear's fault and not your own lack of preparation?

umabailey24d ago

That specific hiking trip you mentioned, @jesse773, what was the main reason you chose to call it a gear failure instead of a route planning mistake? I mean, if you look back at the weather reports and trail conditions, was there something the gear couldn't handle that you expected it to? Idk, maybe it's just me but I think we all lean on blaming equipment when it's easier than admitting we pushed too hard in bad conditions.