Just realized everyone overpacks for the John Muir Trail

I kept seeing people with these huge 50 pound packs and thought that was normal, but after my own trip I saw so much unused gear left in bear boxes. My buddy who does the trail every year finally told me 'If you don't use it by day three, you never will.' What's one piece of gear you always end up mailing home?

2 comments

2 Comments

kai56416h ago

Wait, 50 pound packs? That's insane! I struggled with 35 pounds last time and my shoulders were killing me. People really carry that much extra weight up those climbs? No wonder there's so much gear left behind.

patricia4213h ago

Yeah @kai564, the weight adds up fast when people pack for every possible situation. I've seen folks bring full camp chairs and multiple cooking pots, stuff that just isn't needed. That's why the trail is littered with abandoned gear when reality hits on the first big hill.