Met a hiker on the Appalachian Trail who changed my gear mindset

I was taking a break at Overmountain Shelter in Tennessee last October when an older guy asked why I carried a 50 pound pack. He showed me his setup with a tarp and a foam pad, saying 'the trail teaches you what you really need.' Anyone else have a stranger's advice completely shift how you pack for a trip?

2 comments

2 Comments

benb211mo agoMost Upvoted

Buddy ditched his tent after a thru hiker loaned him a bivy for a night.

thomas.piper1mo ago

Yeah I mean that tracks honestly. Once you go ultralight it's hard to go back. A bivy is basically just a waterproof sleeping bag cover so you skip the whole tent weight and setup hassle. But your buddy better hope the weather cooperates cause there's zero room for gear or getting dressed inside that thing. No bug protection either unless it's a specific mesh model. Still, one night of feeling like a badass lightweight hiker probably sold him.