Just realized I've been overpacking for every trip because of one wet morning in the Smokies

I was three days into the Appalachian Trail section near Clingmans Dome last spring, and my pack felt like a brick. The tipping point was when a light rain started at 6 AM, and I spent 20 minutes digging for my rain jacket at the very bottom. My buddy, who had his in an outside pocket, just put his on and kept moving. I finally saw that my whole 'be prepared for anything' system was just heavy and slow. How do you guys organize your pack so you can actually get to stuff when you need it?

2 comments

2 Comments

lilyb271d ago

Totally get that. Been there with the pack full of bricks. The key is to sort stuff by how fast you need it. Like, rain gear and snacks go in the brain lid or an outside pocket, no digging. Sleep stuff and extra clothes can be buried in the bottom. I keep my water filter in a side pocket so I can grab it at a stream without stopping. Makes a huge difference when the weather turns fast.

masonpark1d ago

Sounds like you were prepared for anything except actually needing your stuff. That's the classic overpacker trap, where your gear is more of a museum exhibit than useful items. Lily's got the right idea about sorting by how fast you need it.