Originally Posted By Glenn
You're probably in the minority, sure, but you raise a valuable point: packing light is not an ends unto itself. You're setting a higher priority on something else. For many, it's the ability to hike longer or farther or faster in a day, or not be as tired at the end of the day. But it's equally valid to trade weight for a child's smile, or the simple pleasure of enjoying your favorite breakfast in the quiet of the early morning. Being in the minority doesn't make you wrong.

Exactly! Some people camp to hike, others hike to camp. It's all good. I prefer destination camping. Had more than my share marches in the service.
Nowadays I may hike a day or two and then camp in an area for a week or more. Most parks have designated camp areas or horse camps when you get off of the main trails.
Breakfast watching the sunrise over a lake while catching the morning bite... nothing else quite like it.