Hello!
This could be written under any topic, but still - about equipment.
In the past people went to the mountains barefoot (shepherds) or in whatever shoes they had. Remember also with what equipment or without they sometimes conquered unimaginably difficult walls, mountains, ridges, etc. - hemp, wool, wooden chocks, stick...
When we talk about equipment today - what do we mean? Surely shell pants are better than jeans; you move more comfortably, they dry faster, lower risk of hypothermia too, etc. What about avalanche gear? There used to be none, they even taught me to use avalanche cord (if anyone remembers what that is).
So when we talk about equipment, what are we really talking about? Gear that PZS recommends for specific terrain and conditions? Or is it perhaps a legal category – when will it be considered unequipped and charged to you in case of rescue? Or even criminally prosecuted for endangering, etc.?
Technology provides ever better equipment at dizzying prices. Basic gear alone can cost how much – 1000 EUR, 2, 3??
Does this mean that all people without top-notch gear are FORBIDDEN from moving in the mountain world? Based on trends abroad, I think it is/will be increasingly true. Gore-Tex, ice axe, crampons, avalanche transceiver, GPS,… plus a guide on top??? + Trainings in schools, courses?
Many can't afford many things and don't want to. I hear comments about the value of human life – fine, but bottom line money plays a role. The more you have, the more safety and comfort you can ALSO buy in the mountains.
By choosing a subjective goal everyone chooses (knowingly or unknowingly) also the level of risk they are willing to expose themselves to. Is someone "guilty" who has no avalanche gear and was killed by avalanche at danger level 2, while someone with avalanche gear is "justified" because the same happened at level 4??? Is someone shaking on the edge of a precipice below Kočna summit less responsible than an alpinist soloing a route? And someone who freezes below a 1,500 m mountain summit in summer because no extra clothes/alu foil and fog with cold descended?? Is he "guilty"? I DON'T KNOW, can't judge!!!
I encourage knowledge of mountain dangers and use of appropriate gear, but with this post I warn about the distinct and ever-present CHANGE in established standards of what is proper equipment and what is still acceptable risk level. I just hope participants of their adventures consciously know and accept it each time. Here I also express strong opposition to elitism and discrimination like; if you don't have thousands of euros worth of gear, you shouldn't go to the mountains!
Friendly regards and firm steps!