It’s a gut-wrenching feeling, isn’t it? All that planning, training, and anticipation leading up to a major expedition, only to have it perhaps ruined by something breaking down. Thinking about scenarios where a tent pole snaps during a storm, or a critical piece of climbing equipment fails halfway up a route, really underscores the importance of not only choosing reliable gear but also meticulously inspecting it beforehand.
Has anyone else had a dream expedition sidelined (or substantially altered) as of unexpected gear failure? What happened, and what did you learn from it? Did you have a backup plan in place, or were you completely out of luck? I’m curious about the common culprits. I’ve heard stories of hydration bladders leaking at altitude, stoves failing in sub-zero temperatures, and even something as simple as a zipper breaking at a crucial moment. Sharing these experiences could help others prepare and hopefully avoid similar disappointments.