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Looking back at my first John Muir Trail attempt versus last year's
I mean, my first try in 2015 was a mess. I brought a 55 pound pack with a heavy tent and way too much food. Last year, I went with a lighter setup, a tarp and bivy, and planned my resupplies better, cutting my base weight to under 22 pounds. The difference wasn't just comfort, it was finishing the whole 211 miles feeling strong instead of beat up. It's wild how much route planning and gear choice changed the experience. Has anyone else had a specific trail where a lighter approach made it possible?
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the_derek1mo ago
Ever think about how much mental energy that heavy gear was taking up?
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ryan_sanchez17d ago
Totally... I carried this huge old camp stove for years because it felt solid. Dropping that brick and getting a tiny little burner was a game changer. My brain just... relaxed, you know? Stopped worrying about the weight and started noticing the trail more. Letting go of that "just in case" mindset was the real freedom.
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mary_ramirez671mo ago
Wow, 55 pounds sounds brutal, I can't even imagine. My big change was on the Long Trail a few years back. I swapped out my old bulky sleeping bag for a lighter quilt and finally got a smaller pack that fit me right. It wasn't just about less weight on my back, it felt like I could actually enjoy the hiking instead of just fighting my gear all day. What was the hardest piece of gear for you to leave behind?
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