Not to be that guy, but "hidden gems" kinda implies you already know they're good before you buy them. You can't really call something a hidden gem if you're literally holding it in your hand at the shop. That's just... a book you looked at. And the 20 bucks lesson? Man, I feel you, but that's a risk no matter how you shop. I bought a Daniel Warren Johnson book blind once and it was fire. Another time I flipped through three issues of the same Batman run and still picked a dud. Flipping doesn't guarantee quality, it just gives you the illusion of control.

Also swap out your cook system if you're still bringing a full MSR stove and fuel canister. A cold soak setup or a tiny BRS 3000T with a 4oz canister saves like half a pound easy. Ditch the tent poles too if you can go with a trekking pole shelter, that alone shaved off damn near a full pound from my load last season. And for real, check your first aid kit, most people carry way too much stuff in there, pare it down to just the essentials.

The "map without the town" thing hits hard. Best trick I learned was asking chatgpt "what's the technical term for this problem" first, then googling that.

Seventy five bucks for one drink? That's insane.

I read somewhere that those early morning hours have the lowest wind speeds because the ground hasn't heated up yet to create thermal currents. Makes sense why Glen Pass felt so still. We had a similar moment on the JMT near Evolution Lake, barely a ripple on the water for miles. It's like the whole world is holding its breath waiting for the sun to come over the ridge.