Five unnecessary items that are worth their weight

We have reached Trail days in Damascus, Virginia. Well, technically we arrived at Roan Mountain, Tennessee and quickly went to this hiker-focused festival weekend, and then we’ll get back on the trail when we’ve had our fill. It’s a great setting – there are vendors, contests, raffles and events all weekend long to celebrate hiking culture, community and outdoor conservation. The churches offer free showers, meals, laundry services, and even haircuts for the thousands of hikers here. Everyone is welcome, whether past, present or future hikers. Super generous, super welcoming and a little overwhelming 😅 in an energetic and carnivalesque way. I’m taking a nice break in the library. Thanks to the friendly staff and the calm atmosphere they cultivate here 🙏

METROAny hiker loves talking gear. There are seemingly endless discussions about what to wear, what to wear, and the pros and cons of competing brands. Unsurprisingly, there is no “perfect” way to camp or hike, and everyone’s preferences, anatomies, and experiences are exceptionally different. When I get tired of options and comparisons, I often return to a phrase often heard on the trail: “Walk your own walk”.

However, there is a shared experience: I believe that almost all hikers are looking to reduce the weight of their backpack. I started my hike with a backpack that weighed about 31 pounds total, including food and water. Over the past month, I’ve probably weighed about 27 pounds after sending home a sleeping pad, using a few toiletries, and donating odd clothes. Any opportunity to wear less feels like a victory!

Despite that eternal need to eliminate ounces, I always find it fun to hear what the little “luxuries” of each one are. These are the items that are not really necessary to survive on the road, but make the trip much more enjoyable and/or comfortable. I’m convinced that even the super tough and ultralight (hikers who use and pack the most minimalist gear, often weighing less than 15 pounds) have something that exclusively provides a morale boost, rather than rational functionality. Here are five items in my backpack that I consider to be worth more than their weight:

💭 Quick note: I’ve included some product links below for reference, but none of this content is sponsored (I don’t earn any money from your clicks). These are just ideas from my own experience.

1) Camping clothes + footwear.

It’s not very unusual, but some hikers choose not to do it. I like to have an extra change of clothes for when I’m at camp or in town. Many hostels offer loaner clothes to wear while I do laundry, so it’s definitely not necessary, but I appreciate a break from my dirty, sweaty hiking shirt when I finally stop hiking for the day. I keep a light wrap skirt and a spare sports bra to change into when I get to camp, and I’m eternally grateful for my Imitation Birks from Walmartespecially because they can be attached to my backpack very easily and they weigh almost nothing.

2) incense

It’s worth it! And it also weighs practically nothing! I keep a few incense sticks on hand to burn next to our tent when the smell is less than ideal inside… Nothing masks the distinctive aroma of the dirty hiker better than Nag Champa 🙌

3) mouth tape

This is a niche and will probably get some attention… I use duct tape to seal my mouth when I sleep, even when I’m home off the track. I don’t find it suffocating or like I’m tied up, but I can understand why it sounds strange. Aubrey tends to do the same and we both find that we sleep much better when we use it than when we don’t.

None of us have a tremendous tendency to snore, but I find that mouth tape encourages deeper nasal breathing and prevents dry mouth upon waking. Not for everyone, but I don’t know, don’t rule it out until you try it 🤷 I find that this particular tape It leaves no residue, holds quite securely and at the same time allows for comfortable breathing and is adjustable in size: it is torn off into small strips, so you can determine the desired length. Aubrey only uses one strip, but I use three to four for my fat mouth 🙃

4) Diary

Although it’s definitely a questionable size and I could have easily invested in a lighter one, I love having a journal. The only problem is that I’m often too tired at the end of each day to be diligent with the daily entries… Still, I value it immensely. My goal is to write as much as I can, without putting pressure on myself to do so, but I find it incredibly powerful on mentally difficult days.

It’s very difficult to find solitude on the AT, and journaling gives you the opportunity to carve out some time for just that. Even if we’re surrounded by other people in a crowded shelter or a chatty coffee shop on a city day, it’s a relief to be able to breathe out our thoughts on paper. Whether it’s the infuriating aftermath of the intense emotions of a difficult day, or simply a list of ideas or inspirations that crossed my mind as I walked, journaling has been a small act of self-care throughout such a clearly destabilizing journey.

This is a practice I’ve had since my pre-teens, and while the entries may be ridiculously embarrassing to look back on, they are an ever-evolving saga. In the midst of shame, it feels authentic and often illuminating: a literal written story to reflect on.

5) edibles

Keeping it real ✌ I stocked up on a few packs of Phat Dogg Strawberry Jam gummies before leaving for the trail. My friends make fun of me because these are actually the lowest-dose edibles I think you can find, but I swear: there is only 1 mg of THC, albeit 10 mg of CBD, in each gummy.

Again, everyone is different, but I find these gummies to be a perfect balance for my own biochemistry. They significantly reduce my anxiety and promote a feeling of passive calm that does not compromise my concentration. I find that other edibles do the exact opposite and can send me into a spiral of paranoia and self-doubt. The higher dose of CBD also tends to ease the pain in my legs (or at least dull my awareness of how sore I am…), and I like that the THC dose is low enough that I can double or even triple it on the days I feel it’s appropriate.

However, I’m running out of these quickly and only know of one dispensary on Cape Cod that sells them, so I’m looking forward to finding a way to restock when I’m in the Northeast again 👽

💎BONUS💎
Crystals

One to woo 🧚‍♀️ I keep a tiger’s eye and an aventurine in my front hip pocket. A little more protection and a little more adventure.

Back to Earth

Fair enough, I could have introduced six (seven?) instead of five elements… In the midst of so much competitive language around the team, I find it fun and refreshing to hear what keeps you grounded or just brings you some joy. Aubrey carries a tackle box to collect mushroom specimens and also deeply craves a folding camping chair…shout out if you see a spare 👀

What are your little luxuries? Or what could you take with you that might be considered “unnecessary,” but is worth its weight?

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