I went for a hike on Sunday, with 100 ounces of water in my hydration back, a full usgi canteen (w/cup), a psk, a fak, trail mix & lunch.I also had on me my edc folder & a 6 inch fixed blade (I was gonna look for a young hickory tree to make into a walking stick). Boy was I beat! I'm gonna say i was carring 12 pounds in all.It was about 90 degrees and sunny, I was really hurting during some uphill parts of the walk. Was I carrying too much?
..my $0.02, it depends. how long was the hike? if it was 4 hrs or less, i think your water carry was probably right on the money - for me.
your age, physical condition, 'heat index', gain / loss elevation all play into
your equation.
as for what else, or not, to carry - that's where the comfort level comes in. if something were to happen to disable you, would / could you be rescued (no mention of cell phone, hiking buddy or plb), and if not, could you spend a night or two on the town in the woods and be comfortable until you are rescued? that is, warm, dry, unhungry?
these are all variables that are person-specific.
for me, i hike weekdays and it's rare to see anyone at all. i figure if i can't self rescue i may be out there until the boss gets someone interested to go look for me. then again, i typically hike with someone - but i think i have the tools (brains included) to remain out. i hope i don't have to find out. but i do come here to help fill in those areas that i didn't know that i didn't know.
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