Got roasted on a PCT forum for carrying a 55lb pack - did they have a point?

I spent 3 years planning a John Muir Trail hike and packed for every possible emergency. Extra fuel, backup tent poles, even a paperback. Posted my gear list on the Pacific Crest Trail forum and this guy basically laughed at me. Said I was carrying 20lbs of 'fear and inexperience.' He told me to cut my base weight under 25lbs or I'd burn out by day 4. I tried it his way - dropped the extra clothes, swapped my 4lb tent for a tarp, ditched the stove for cold soak. Honestly? I covered 18 miles my first day instead of my usual 8. But I also froze one night when temps dropped unexpectedly. So who was right? Is ultralight dogma real wisdom or just survivorship bias? Has anyone else gotten tough feedback that forced them to rethink their whole system?

2 comments

2 Comments

finley7771mo ago

People overcorrect when someone calls them out.

gibson.oliver1mo ago

Or you just keep digging deeper (like me right now).