A hiker told me my waterproof jacket was too heavy after a 12 mile carry in the Smokies

I switched from a 3-layer Gore-Tex parka to a 6 ounce silnylon shell and my back thanked me, anyone else ditch the heavy gear after a bad trip?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_lewis1mo ago

Yeah that "too heavy" comment hits home. I used to carry a heavy Gore-Tex parka too and swapped to a 7 ounce silnylon poncho for long hikes. It packs down to nothing and keeps me dry enough while saving a ton of weight on my back.

claire8721mo agoTop Commenter

Honestly, @phoenix_lewis I feel you on the poncho swap. Ngl I did a 14 mile carry in a heavy canvas coat once and ended up sweating more inside than out in the rain. My back was screaming at me for a week. Switched to a 5 ounce windbreaker that's basically a plastic bag but at least I don't feel like a pack mule carrying a tent around my shoulders.

ray_williams1mo ago

12 miles in the Smokies isn't exactly Everest base camp, honestly. I've done a 20 mile day in a heavy mountaineering parka in the Whites and survived just fine. People get way too caught up in shaving ounces when a few extra pounds won't kill you on a day hike. Tbh, if your jacket is keeping you warm and dry in real weather, it's doing its job way better than a trash bag poncho in a thunderstorm.