the best advice anyone gave me starting out was every time you come back from a trip break down your gear into two piles,

pile one. the stuff you used and needed to be safe

pile two. the stuff you brought that you either didnt use or didnt need

eliminate pile two and presto instant room in the pack for a footlong sub and a fosters oilcan smile

as far as your pack goes when hikeing with others i like having a lardger pack that can carry bigloads incases someone has an injurry or ailement and i need to take on more weight

good luck Samoset
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