I carry too much stuff and just chalk it up to raising the exertion level in my exercise for the day.

Since I'm not hiking in SoCal I carry several options in warmer clothes. Have needed some of them when a pleasant weather forecast turned into 4" of wet snow before I could get back to the car.

In theory I could spend the night out if I had to. In practice, I haven't practiced that so it would be a difficult night.

LOL I also have a S&W Mod 28 and for those unfamiliar, it is not a piece you EDC unless you have a reason (something akin to being in LE). It is a serious piece of steel and the holster is a serious piece of leather. Mine is wonderful to shoot on the range, but for social work I'd go to a Glock first and second. But that's just me. If you have the inclination, it will do the job nicely.

I guess I am validating my geezer status by clinging to my wheel gun. My son, who has gone the semi-auto route, regularly gives me a hard time (which I probably deserve), but I know he will inherit a real firearm some day....

Hardly a geezer gun. The S&W Mod 27 (from which the Mod 28 was derived) is possibly the finest SA/DA "wheel gun" ever (my opinion, but it's shared), but they are not lightweights, far from it. The Glock family in whichever caliber you choose are simply easier to shoot adequately (also my opinion; any time you get in a conversation about revolvers, Glocks, 1911's it turns to which is best and there is no right answer, they're all good).

My S&W Mod 19 has a 6" barrel with target sights and someone very good at his craft gave it a very light (breathe on it) SA trigger. It's a .357 Mag but I only ever shoot .38 Spl target loads with that revolver. Whatever it has I don't want to mess it up.

For a short hike on a popular well marked trail I prefer Double Mint to Double Tap.

Actually I have a pint of water and a stocking cap in my back pockets, a aaa flashlight, a fero rod and a No6 opinel in my front pocket along with the burner phone.

In hot weather a shade hat instead of a stocking cap.

If with my dog, I bring poo bags and also pepper spray for misbehaving pit bull owners.

For short out and back trips, I have a mini-kit that compliments my usual EDC:
Navigation module (trail map, compass, spare batteries for EDC light)
Warmth module (storm matches, synthetic tinder, space blanket, knife)
FAK (usual assortment of scrapes, sprains, blister, and bug/snake bite remedies)
Signal module (mirror, Storm whistle)
Hygiene and comfort (sunscreen, bug dope, bandana, etc)
Dog repellent and a stick.