A thru-hiker at camp told me to ditch my 60L pack for something smaller and now I get why

He said 'your back will thank you after 500 miles' and after swapping to a 40L for my weekend trips, I haven't looked back, anyone else find big packs are overrated?

2 comments

2 Comments

mitchell.wade1mo ago

500 miles in and my 35L is perfect for week long trips.

the_barbara1mo ago

Oh man, I went through the exact same thing! I started with a 65L monster and thought I needed all that space. After about 300 miles on the AT I switched to a 40L and it changed everything. My back actually feels better at the end of the day, and I pack way smarter now. @mitchell.wade is spot on, 35L for a week is totally doable once you stop bringing stuff you never use. I ditched my camp chair and extra cook kit and honestly don't miss them.