Met a guy on the Timberline Trail who changed how I pack my bag

I was hiking near Mount Hood last fall and stopped to fix a strap. A man about my dad's age came up and asked if I needed help. He pointed at my full pack and said, 'You look ready for a month, not three days.' He showed me his own bag, which was half the size, and explained he only brings one extra pair of socks and a light rain shell. I've tried his way on two trips since and it's so much better. Has anyone else had a trail chat that made them switch up their gear for good?

2 comments

2 Comments

vera_sanchez1mo ago

My old scout leader taught me to pack my fears...

jason2501mo ago

That book "Deep Survival" says fear is just your brain trying to keep you alive.