"dial"

I'm reading a thread about lightweight gear in a backpacker forum, there are a lots of "dial"s in it:

"Now that we understand the relationship between core needs and functional systems, we can more precisely in our equipment needs and finally answer the question of “how to choose lightweight backpacking gear?” Let’s start with a discussion of some of our core needs for an expedition across Antarctica by ski, without support."

"Now that we’ve identified our core needs and the functional systems required to meet those core needs, we can in our equipment:"

"Most of my lightweight backpacking gear and experience is for alpine conditions, bear and wildlife encounters, volatile weather patterns, and infrequently- to moderately-traveled trails. "

"Because of my limited trip planning and prep time, I have my equipment system to a set of gear that I know to be absolutely reliable and versatile in a wide range of conditions. "

I don't understand it's meaning and there is nothing about telephone or Internet, does anybody can help me ? Thanks a lot!

I will not post the source link here because it is a chargeable forum , the thread is inaccessible if you are not its member, sorry.

Christophecnbj

To me, it means "adjust" or "adjusted" – and it's irritating.

It's a dial, like any dial that precisely adjusts something – even the volume dial on your radio. In that case, you're dialing a dial (verb/noun).

What is the source of your quote? I want to avoid it.

It is clear that the writer has an obsession with "to dial" and he uses it (i) wherever he can and (ii) to mean whatever he wants. This is very poor writing style.-> to enter (usually of writing or on a computer screen); to choose or select precisely; to define; to set
"Most of my lightweight backpacking gear and experience is for alpine conditions, = designed to meet the criteria of
I have my equipment system to a set of gear that I know to be absolutely reliable = precisely arranged/organised/chosen

Copyright said:

To me, it means "adjust" or "adjusted" – and it's irritating.

It's a dial, like any dial that precisely adjusts something – even the volume dial on your radio. In that case, you're dialing a dial (verb/noun).

What is the source of your quote? I want to avoid it.

Come on, Backpackinglighter.com can't be avoided if you are a backpacker, but if not, forget it. Thanks for your input.

Christophecnbj said:

Come on, Backpackinglighter.com can't be avoided if you are a backpacker, but if not, forget it. Thanks for your input.

Oh, how did I ever manage? 👁 Roll Eyes :rolleyes:


I will admit to reading all four volumes of The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher* as the years passed and as I continued to hike and climb. Fletcher was a man who sawed his toothbrush in half to reduce the weight on his back and I picked up many of the tips he was happy to pass along.

You don't have to follow your reading path to hike in the hills and carry your home on your back. 👁 Wink ;)


*1968, 1974, 1984, 2002.

"Dial" once may be excusable – but four times seems excessive. Your link doesn't work, by the way.

I looked around and found www.backpackinglight.com – is that it? If so, you don't have to be a member to access it.

Before I forget: welcome to the forum. 👁 Smile :)
Really.

Hi Christoph, just to go back to your original question about "dialled", I think all the examples you've quoted from the website sound a bit unnatural. There's a much more simple expression: "I've got it dialled", meaning, "I've got it worked out", or, "It's all under control".