Why nobody talks about how much trail weight kills your knees on day 3

I was doing the Rae Lakes Loop in Sequoia last summer. By mile 18 my knees were screaming. I blamed age, bad boots, whatever. Then I met this older guy at a backcountry camp. He was 65 and carrying a 22 lb pack. Total. I was at 38 lbs. He just said 'your knees are telling you something.' That night I emptied my pack. Threw out half my 'just in case' gear. Next day was night and day different. Now I weigh everything before I go. Anyone else have that moment where you realized your pack was way too heavy for the terrain?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_julia26d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, are you saying that the older guy's pack was only 22 pounds total? That seems really low for a multiday trip, even with ultralight gear. Ive been backpacking for years and I don't think I could get my pack under 28 pounds even with no food or water. Most people I know carry around 30 to 35 pounds for a 4 day trip, not counting the first day with all the food. You might be underselling how light that guys pack actually was. Its a good lesson though, cutting out the extras really does help your knees.

casey84326d ago

Actually used to think anything under 30 pounds was basically impossible without sacrificing everything you need. This guy's setup really opened my eyes to how much of what I was carrying was just comfort items I barely used. Never would have believed 22 pounds was doable before seeing it in action, but watching him move so easily through the trail convinced me.