Stephen here,
I used to think that the best gear for backpacking is the lightest. With a lighter pack and lighter gear I can hike longer and faster…right?
If I’m out there to enjoy the wonder and majesty of nature, I don’t need the extra fluff. The extra weight will make it harder to hike and if I want to hike as far as possible it should be as light as possible.
Or so I thought …
I found that sometimes adding weight actually makes it easier for me to hike.
Hmmmmm 🤔, that sounds counterintuitive … 🤷
Ok, hear me out.
Adding weight only works if it actually helps in some other manner.
Think about this example: many folks like to bring an extra pair of “camp shoes” for wearing around camp after hiking. Personally, I rarely have feet and blister problems. So, while having camp shoes is more comfy, having them doesn’t really help me, so I don’t want the extra weight. For some of my friends that do have issues with blisters, “camp shoes” are a must and it is totally worth the extra weight.
I found the same to be true for the gear that I use for sleeping. If I have a good night’s sleep, it helps a TON with hiking the next day. AND, if I can sleep comfortably, my back doesn’t hurt the next day which is a MASSIVE help for me on the trail.
So by adding just a little extra weight for a more comfortable night’s sleep, it actually helps me hike better. Not too much weight, just a little.
Want to read more and see what gear I bring for a better night’s sleep? Read it here!
Happy Trails!
Stephen Johnson
Founder
Glacier Peak Studios
Handcrafted with Love in Spokane, WA.
Tested on real dirt in the rugged and beautiful mountains of Washington and Idaho.
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” — John Muir
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