I used to pack for every weather condition like the book says

For years I followed the standard advice and carried a rain jacket, puffy, base layers, and a spare set of clothes for every single trip. It made my pack weigh about 45 pounds even for a weekend in the Smokies. Last summer I did a 3 day hike on the AT in Virginia and decided to leave the rain pants and extra fleece at home. I brought just a light shell, one insulating layer, and a t-shirt for sleeping. It rained hard on day 2 and I just hiked through it wet then dried out at camp. I got back and realized I never needed half the stuff I was carrying for the last 10 years. Anyone else tried cutting down their kit and found it works better?

2 comments

2 Comments

ruby_grant10d ago

Switched to a 35L pack last year and never looked back. Honestly just bring one merino shirt to sleep in and hike in a sun hoody, if you get wet you'll dry out quick enough.

lisa_murray10d ago

Saw a video from a PCT hiker last week saying pretty much the same thing, they swore by a lightweight setup and just accepting a bit of dampness during the day. Made me rethink my whole gear list honestly.