TIL a thru-hiker told me my pack was way too heavy for the PCT

I went to a gear shakedown in Portland last month and this guy with 20,000 miles under his belt pointed out I was carrying 45 pounds for a 5 day stretch. He said 'you're gonna hate your life by day 3' so I swapped my 4-pound tent for a trekking pole one and dropped 3 pounds. Anyone else get roasted by a veteran hiker and completely change their whole setup?

3 comments

3 Comments

singh.harper1d ago

yeah but what kind of tent did you get? was it a Zpacks or something lighter like a Lanshan? i see so many people drop big money on DCF and then still carry a 3lb sleeping bag and it kills me. the real question is what were you carrying that hit 45lb. like did you bring a full sized pillow or 5 pairs of jeans? ive had buddies bring camp chairs and whiskey on the PCT and then wonder why their knees give out by mile 50. what was the one item you were most embarrassed to admit you packed when he called you out

samrodriguez1d ago

My buddy showed up to the Appalachian Trail with a cast iron pan and got told to mail it home at the first stop. I get that weight matters but sometimes I wonder if we're overcorrecting and turning hiking into a contest of who can suffer the most with the least gear. A little extra comfort or a hot meal from a real pan can be worth the extra pounds if it keeps you out there longer and happier.

elliot_roberts1d ago

My buddy showed up to the Appalachian Trail with a cast iron pan and got told to mail it home at the first stop.