Originally Posted By topshot
I'm wondering if the pack is not a good fit for you or was not packed well so that may be something to look at, too.


I want to second this great point. There have been many trips for me where I've stopped to readjust my pack. Something as simple as the placement of your sleeping bag can make a tremendous difference in how heavy the pack "feels". I've had 30 pound packs that felt light and 20 pound packs that were uncomfortable. You have to figure out what works best for you.

One simple idea is to ditch the compression sacks where possible. I find my bag packs a lot easier when I just stuff my sleeping bag into a black garbage bag at the bottom of my pack. It helps fill the gaps and is much softer against my back.

And Congratulations!!! You completed a big step with your first overnight trip.