3 ms·
I've backpack-traveled extensively. I think I'm pretty good at minimizing my gear. My limiting factor is clothes. I'm a big guy, and my clothes and footwear tak
by caymanjim 4y ago
I've backpack-traveled extensively. I think I'm pretty good at minimizing my gear. My limiting factor is clothes. I'm a big guy, and my clothes and footwear take up easily 3x as much space as the author's. Same for sleeping bags and blankets and even towels. Even if I were less fat, I'd still have above-average gear weight and volume. It usually means that I have to pack fewer changes of clothes. Can be a real pain in the ass, and often the difference between a carry-on and a checked bag.
- rory 4y agoAs a fellow bigfoot, IMO for long backpacking: first pair of footwear on feet. Second pair gets tied to the outside of the backpack. Third pair gets cut.
- caymanjim 4y agoMy default is hiking boots, flip-flops, and either sneakers or strap-on Tevas, depending on climate. Wear the boots on the move, and the others are manageable, although sneakers often don't make the cut.
- rory 4y agoFor me, splitting the difference between boots and sneakers with hiking shoes or trail runners is usually an acceptable compromise.