Stranger on the PCT told me my pack weight was killing my knees

I was about 12 miles into a section hike on the PCT near Idyllwild and this older guy just comes up and says "your pack is way too heavy, you're gonna regret those knees in 10 years." I got defensive at first because I had my tent and cook system and 4 liters of water. But he showed me his setup and he was carrying half what I had. So I dropped my tent for a tarp, ditched the camp chair, and went down to 2 liters with a filter. My knees stopped hurting after two days and I covered 18 miles that next afternoon. Anyone else get a reality check from a random trail stranger?

2 comments

2 Comments

emma_flores1d ago

You said "my knees stopped hurting after two days" but honestly, that could be from anything. Maybe you just got stronger or your body adjusted to the trail. I've been hiking for years and tried going super light once with a tarp and minimal water. Ended up cold and dehydrated because the weather turned bad and I couldn't find a good water source. Had to cut my trip short. Your setup worked for you that one time, but not everyone's body or trail conditions are the same. Some people need that extra gear for safety or comfort, and lighter isn't always better when you're out for more than a few days.

vera_lewis21d ago

My friend Bill tried that once and ended up stranded in a creek bed overnight, @emma_flores.