Tbh, my mom packing a giant first aid kit messed up our mileage
Honestly, she insisted on bringing this huge kit on our John Muir Trail section, and it was so heavy. We had to stop way earlier each day because her pack slowed everyone down. Ngl, it kinda ruined our plan to reach certain campsites. What do you do when family members overpack on a trip?
Had everyone dump their packs at the trailhead last year. We shared the group essentials and left so much stuff in the car... it was brutal but it worked.
That "dump your packs" method is a real test. My buddy had to leave his favorite old wool shirt, a lucky piece he always brought. He said hiking without it felt strange, but his pack was so much lighter he got over it fast.
My custom engraved multitool was the toughest to leave behind. It was a gift from my dad, so it meant a lot. Sharing a basic tool with the group saved space and worked fine.