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The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

carryology.com

31–40 of 48 posts

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#31

Interesting article. But I don't know if I am imagining it; I'm starting to feel Claude's (AI) writing everywhere. Like this sentence for example: > The genius of the gaucho’s system isn’t storage. It’s integration. The x isn't y. Its z.

You're absolutely right! This is a load-bearing article.

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#33

Interesting article. But I don't know if I am imagining it; I'm starting to feel Claude's (AI) writing everywhere. Like this sentence for example: > The genius of the gaucho’s system isn’t storage. It’s integration. The x isn't y. Its z.

Assuming it is AI-written, who cares? Would the article have been written if AI hadn't authored it? Did you derive less utility from the article than had it not been written at all? Bunch of Veruca Salts here. I want ALL the entertainment/information, I want it NOW, I'll pirate it if I have to, and GOD FORBID IT USE AI.

For me it’s about human connection. I want to know the thoughts of others somewhere else to learn or share in their experiences.

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#34
With regards to how skill is more important than technology in these other form of carrying:

A couple years ago I read Survival of the Bark Canoe by John McPhee [0].

There are several discussions of a crooked knife and how it was the "multitool" of craftsman in the northern forests and was used for everything from making canoes to snowshoes.

This led to me learning more about crooked knives and even starting https://crookedknives.com.

One of the most interesting parts about this journey was reading the below quote:

"Skill allows you to do a lot with one tool whereas many tools can be used to replace skill".

e.g. it's hard to learn how to use a crooked knife but once you do learn, it's like having a plane, gouge and carving knife all in one hand.

This article feels very similar in that it probably takes more skill to use a soft bag or basket to carry loads instead of a modern backpack but also gives you a lot more options.

0 - https://amzn.to/4cR46FW

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#37
> Freshly harvested birch is flexible, allowing it to be woven into complex forms. Once woven and shaped, those fibers create a rigid structure that resists sagging beneath heavy loads while remaining lightweight.

There are stories of Native Americans weaving baskets that were so precisely made that they could carry water.

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#38
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I care. If the article was AI written, I'm massively less interested in writing it, and in fact I'll only do it if absolutely necessary, or if I'm getting paid. That's just how it is for me. If you disagree: no problem! Some people are inclined to argue with people about their opinions, but I'm not one of them, at least not on this matter.

Wild that the messenger is more important than the message. No wonder politics is such a shitshow these days.

The messenger tells you a lot about the message with AI articles.

It being written by AI instead of a human is an indication the writer didn't care enough about the information being communicated to communicate it themselves and if they didn't care enough to put effort into writing it and making sure it is actually good why should I spend my time reading it?

It's also an early indication that the content won't be that good too so it's a convenient signal that reading it will likely be a waste of time. Just look at the article here. Lots of fluff and some completely vapid praise of some of the carry systems that put a significant load into the necks of the carrier. We know that's not good for you it's just convenient when you have low tech.

Re: The Lost Art of Carrying Loads

#40
I'd like to add another thing about the gaucho: the recado (the traditional saddle) was also a really important part of his equipment. It was basically his whole camping setup. The different layers could be taken apart at night and used as a mattress, blankets, insulation from the ground, etc. Then in the morning everything went back on the horse.
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