I think your observation is spot on. 'We' think light packing is the 'answer' but the vast majority of backpackers are 'business as usual.' Nothing wrong with that except...

More and more, I'm running into neighbors and casual friends that say they, 'just can't do it anymore.' Their conditioning, middle-age spread, boomer knees, etc., have caused them to retire from backpacking. That's a real shame...everyone can do better/go further with 12 pounds on their back than with 50 (as one of my friends thinks is necessary). Meanwhile, I'm left with a diminishing group of trail partners...

FB
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