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Reeotch
climber
4 Corners Area
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 21, 2015 - 03:22pm PT
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Does technology, specifically communications technology (cell phones, sat phones, spots, gps etc . . .), take anything away from the adventure experience?
Yes, it does, although it can be hard to put your finger on it. But, I think it comes down to self reliance.
When I began instructing for Outward Bound, in the early 90s, we didn't use cell phones or sat phones. You needed to know where the nearest civilization was and how to get there at all times. You had to be be prepared to self-rescue (say, improvise a litter and a strategy for carrying an injured group member out of the backcountry). You needed to know how to use a map and compass and be able to pinpoint your position without a gps unit.
So, beyond the "what ifs", what are we giving up when we depend on technology. What is the value of leaving the cell phone at home?
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WBraun
climber
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Aug 21, 2015 - 03:27pm PT
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in the early 90s, we didn't use cell phones or sat phones.
In the early 1990's we had a sat phone in Mali Africa and it was the size of a suitcase.
We used it and thus we were pussies ...... :-)
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Reeotch
climber
4 Corners Area
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 21, 2015 - 03:35pm PT
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Well, at least you can admit your faults . . . ;)
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WBraun
climber
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Aug 21, 2015 - 03:43pm PT
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Actually I was with a film production company working as a rigger in a remote region.
The production company needed it for the job.
Basically I don't give sh!t one way or other for this kind of stoopid argument to begin with.
If you want to use technology then use it.
If you don't then don't use it.
Either way we're still all pussies fully depended on the higher nature .....
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Reeotch
climber
4 Corners Area
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 21, 2015 - 03:48pm PT
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C'mon Werner, where's your faith in humanity?
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The Chief
climber
Lurkerville east of Goldenville
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Aug 21, 2015 - 03:55pm PT
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Cell Phone.... hmmm. No service at 11K or above in 99% of the areas I head up to these days in search of the Golden and Brookie Monsters. No humans either. Well, very very rarely do I ever encounter any where I go. That being the primary reason I go there. I don't own nor have ever used any GPS unit either.
The cell stays turned OFF in the truck down at the T/H.
Edit: I do own a SPOT and take it most every where I go. Not for me mind you. Because of my past experiences with folks I have encountered along the way that were critically injured themselves and some actually dying in the backcountry, my Wife asked that I take one along to assist if the future presents me another issue as those of the past.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Aug 21, 2015 - 04:37pm PT
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I have very little experience doing remote stuff. Even just being out at Temple Crag, which is practically the city compared to some remote places, I remember feeling a very different vibe than climbing in Yosemite Valley. The sense that you are really on your own is more in your face, and it is closely tied to the sense of being totally self-reliant for your survival, fully earning whatever rewards or punishments you receive, no excuses.
Edit: This is sort of weird to say, because I never consider rescue as an option in Yosemite- I always assume my partner and I are on our own. But, there is still something different about it when you start running the "what if" scenarios.
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rbord
Boulder climber
atlanta
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Aug 21, 2015 - 04:47pm PT
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We can think of it as adversarial (vs.) or think of it as synergistic, depending on how that works to our own advantage. For many people, technology gives them the independence to attempt an adventure that they wouldn't feel comfortable doing otherwise. Sure we can venture out naked and afraid if that's what we choose, but who chooses that? Honnold? Pretty sure he uses sticky rubber climbing shoes :-)
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Aug 21, 2015 - 07:46pm PT
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Another thing you have to remember in talking about whether using the latest technology detracts from adventure is that whatever "latest technology" you're talking about is replacing, or being added to, whatever the latest technology was last year.
I spent a fair amount of time many years ago in some unexplored parts of Baffin Island, but felt a bit unclean about it because I had the advantage of some pretty sh#t-hot technology compared to earlier explorers -- topographical maps, for example, and a compass that was not only accurate, but which was tiny and weighed almost nothing.
To say nothing of reasonably good skis, synthetic skins, a dome tent that could handle 100 kph wind, and Gore-tex clothing.
Where did that put me relative to guys that got there after a three-month boat trip (assuming the boat actually made it), didn't have a clue about the geography, had clothing made out of animal skins...
So, if you are going to say that whatever is the current latest technology (cell phones? GPS?) takes the adventure out of whatever you're doing, then you also have to say the same thing about altimeters, carbon fiber, accurate maps, crampons with front points, spring-loaded cams, airplanes, sticky rubber, Gore-tex...
Adventure is still available, even for people with cell phones. But if you want it, you have to seek it.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 21, 2015 - 08:13pm PT
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Technology is there....use it, or part of it, if you wish. I think that this 24 hr. connectivity prevalent in America today is injurious to the human spirit. The more you are connected to your office the less connected are you to the astonishing natural world around you.
I do a lot of solitary trips into remote areas, some of them multi day. The last thing I want on these trips is anything that connects me to the "civilized" world.
People ask me..."but what will you do if something happens?" My answer is....just like always, just like before technology, I'll deal. If I don't...c'est la vie.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Aug 21, 2015 - 08:36pm PT
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Either way we're still all pussies fully depended on the higher nature .....
paycheck from the federal government?
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Aug 21, 2015 - 09:39pm PT
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very much had that 'different kind of reliance' experience recently. The tech can make you bolder, just being closer to the road can make you bolder, but so too can extra beers.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Aug 22, 2015 - 06:56am PT
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I saw a couple call call each other for "off belay" and "belay on".
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:34am PT
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These days lots of videos show up about the latest hard redpoint. I wonder what is the shortest time period between completion of the send and posting online?
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:57am PT
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I saw a couple call call each other for "off belay" and "belay on". that's awesome!
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Aug 22, 2015 - 04:30pm PT
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I carry a PLB because I am usually solo. Carrying it does not affect my decisions in any way, it is just in the bottom of my pack. So no, it does not affect my independence.
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Reeotch
climber
4 Corners Area
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 24, 2015 - 12:21pm PT
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Thanks!
The main question I'm getting at is what are we giving up by using this kind of technology.
Jon Beck:
Carrying it does not affect my decisions in any way
So Jon, I'd like to respectfully ask, Are you sure? Have you gone without it?
Maybe its absence would weigh heavier on your mind than when its there.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Aug 24, 2015 - 12:49pm PT
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I carry a PLB because I am usually solo with my wife.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 24, 2015 - 01:54pm PT
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I carry a PBR. Those cans are high-tech.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Aug 24, 2015 - 04:08pm PT
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I am very happy about hi-tech clothing that weighs little, insulates well, resists water, and dries quickly. Who wants to shlep around with water-logged canvas or rotting soggy pelts for insulation?
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