Was a die-hard fan of carrying a 70L pack for week-long trips but just swapped to a 45L on a 4-day loop in the Smokies last month

I used to think bigger was always better for multi-day hikes, you could just stuff everything in and not worry about space. But after carrying my old 70L monster up Clingmans Dome with barely 3 days worth of gear, I borrowed a buddy's 45L Osprey for the Appalachian Trail section near Fontana Dam and honestly it changed my mind. The whole thing weighed maybe 10 pounds less without the extra fabric and my back didn't ache at all on the descents. Anyone else had that moment where downsizing actually made a trip easier?

2 comments

2 Comments

karen_shah561mo ago

Switched my 70L for a 40L last year and never looked back, way easier on my legs.

luna5501mo ago

Honestly @karen_shah56 your post hit home. I had a 65L that just wrecked my knees on a three day hike in the Smokies last fall. Swapped down to a 38L and it felt like I was carrying a daypack in comparison. Such a huge difference in how I feel at the end of the day.