TIL I was carrying my backpack way too heavy for 5 years

I always packed extra clothes and gear "just in case" for every trip, even day hikes. Last month on the Pacific Crest Trail near Snoqualmie Pass, a guy maybe 60 years old passed me carrying a pack half my size. He pointed at my bulging bag and just said "Your knees will thank you later if you drop 10 pounds." I took his advice, stripped down to the basics, and now I finish routes in half the time without feeling wrecked. Has anyone else had that moment where you realized you were overpacking by a ton?

2 comments

2 Comments

foster.dylan5d ago

You said you switched to a tarp, but a tarp still needs to be set up properly or you're gonna get soaked. I learned that the hard way on a rainy trip in Olympic National Park where my tarp setup failed and everything got wet. Have you tested yours in heavy rain yet?

john6485d ago

Man, that older hiker did you a solid. Had the same wake-up call about two years ago on the Wonderland Trail. I was hauling a 45-pound pack full of extra layers and a tent I barely used. A ranger just looked at me and said "You're not backpacking, you're doing a workout." Switched to a tarp and a smaller stove kit, now I'm at like 22 pounds and I actually enjoy the hike instead of just surviving it.