My hydration bladder capable day pack is much smaller than her bookbag and totally comfortable. I put up to 15 lbs in it just to be carrying weight, in prep for carrying a full backpack.

I'm certainly not going to hike with her to Half Dome. I'm not going to Half Dome at all, I'm perfectly aware of how out of shape I am; I'd rather not hurt myself. We're in a hiking group together. I suspect she's unhappy that I left her behind on the trail but she's not the sort who tells you such things... guess we'll go on the group hikes and the rest of the time I'll be on my own.

At least she listened to me about the running shoes? Of course, she slipped on granite in the running shoes, so that was incentive. She bought some spendy hiking boots. Now she thinks she's done with gear. I don't know that I want to be around when she decides she really needed that emergency gear I was so paranoid to carry everywhere - though I don't wish her any harm, and want her to be safe.