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Hit 500 miles on the AT this season and I'm over the 'ultralight or bust' crowd
Tbh I've been seeing so much pressure online to cut every ounce and carry nothing. I just finished a 500 mile stretch on the Appalachian Trail through Virginia and my pack weighed 32 pounds with water and food. People act like that's insane but I slept great every night, ate real food, and didn't get a single blister. Sure I moved slower than some folks but who cares? I passed a guy at a shelter who bragged about his 8 pound base weight and he was hiking out with a foot infection from shoes that were too flimsy. Anybody else feel like the gear shaming is getting out of hand? What's your pack weight and do you actually care anymore?
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perry.evan5d agoTop Commenter
Heard you loud and clear on this one. I carried 28 pounds for a week in the Smokies last fall and never once wished I had less. I brought a real stove, a thick pad, and extra food because I like hot coffee and sleeping like a log. That guy with the foot infection proves the point: gear is about what works for you, not what looks good on a spreadsheet. I'd rather be a little slower and finish happy than shave ounces and end up miserable or hurt.
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