Pro tip: A park ranger in Yosemite changed how I pack my bag

I was chatting with a ranger at the Tuolumne Meadows visitor center about my upcoming three day hike. He looked at my pack and said, 'You know, most folks pack their fears, not their needs.' He explained that meant I was probably carrying extra stuff just because I was worried about 'what if' situations. I went through my gear that night and pulled out over 5 pounds of stuff I truly didn't need, like a third pair of pants and a giant first aid kit for a simple cut. Has anyone else had a moment like that that made you pack lighter?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade477d ago

My first backpacking trip I brought a full sized camp shovel. For, you know, bear stuff. I think my pack weighed more than I did.

reese5507d ago

My first trip I packed a full roll of duct tape, just in case.