Was hiking the Appalachian Trail in Vermont for about 4 days before I realized my pack weight was killing me

I had this 65 liter pack stuffed full with like 45 pounds of gear. My shoulders ached and my hips were bruised. Then I passed this older guy on the trail who was carrying maybe 25 pounds and he asked why my pack was so huge. He pointed out I had a full tent, a camp chair, and 4 changes of clothes. That's when it clicked that I was bringing way too much stuff and it was making every mile miserable. Anyone else have that moment where you looked at your pack and realized you were doing it all wrong?

2 comments

2 Comments

reese_taylor698h ago

Did you also bring a cast iron skillet for camping pancakes like I did? I thought I was being all gourmet until I realized I could just eat cold granola and keep walking. Now my pack is down to 30 pounds and my back doesn't hate me anymore.

riley8604h ago

Wait, you were carrying a 65 liter pack with 45 pounds? That seems like a lot for a 4 day trip even before the chair. Just a heads up, most base weight guides say 20-30 pounds is the sweet spot for your gear before food and water. You might have been overpacking by a good 15-20 pounds from the start.