That 14 mile day hike in the Smokies last week felt way different than my first time 3 years ago

I did the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte back in 2021 and it took me almost 9 hours with all my stops. Last week I did the same route and finished in under 6 hours, even with a 30 minute break at the top. I think the big difference was dropping from a 35 pound pack down to 18 pounds. I ditched the heavy tent and extra clothes I never used. Also started using trekking poles on steeper sections... they really save your knees on the way down. Anyone else notice how much gear weight changes your time on familiar trails?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_parker28d agoTop Commenter

Dude the pack weight difference is HUGE. I went from a 28 pound load to about 16 on a trail I do every year and it felt like I was flying. That extra ten pounds really drags on you after mile 8 or so. I totally get what you mean about the knees too, I started using poles last year and my downhill time dropped like crazy. It's wild how much just shaving off a few pounds changes the whole feel of a hike.

patricia_schmidt1427d ago

Nah I kinda feel the opposite lol. I like having a heavier pack on long hikes cause it feels like I'm actually getting a workout in. Lightweight is fine but I feel weird without the extra weight on my shoulders.