I should have posted this before.
I keep an eye out along the first few miles of any long distance hiking trail, and the same thing after the first few regular camping spots on that trail.
It is very common for people to start out with heavier packs than they can really handle. The result is they lighten their loads as they go.
Often they stash heavier articles just off the side of the trail.
They might be intending to return for them, but they almost never do.