A thru-hiker told me my pack was too heavy and I dropped 8 pounds after one gear swap

They said I didn't need a 3-pound tent when a 1.5-pound tarp would work, so I traded it out last week and my shoulders don't ache anymore has anyone else cut their base weight just by switching shelter types?

2 comments

2 Comments

robinson.leo2d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, I went through this exact thing a few years back. Had a 4 pound tent I was carrying and my knees were killing me by day three on the PCT. Swapped it for a 1.5 pound tarp and bivy combo and it changed everything. Not just the weight savings either but the pack sits better and I can actually move my neck without pain. Only thing I'd warn you about is to practice setting up the tarp in your backyard before you head out, because learning to pitch it in the rain at camp is no fun at all.

averywright2d ago

Is the weight really that big of a deal though? I mean, a couple pounds on your back doesn't seem like it would wreck your whole trip.