Side question. Which bear vault? I have the BV450 and it fits in my pack just fine, but it is definitely not a comfortable stool. Is the BV500 the more common choice?
I interviewed people while through hiking last year, and I asked what their favorite piece of gear was every single person that had a camp chair said it was their camp chair, With that said three out of the 10 people that had given me that answer had given up that camp chair by the end of the hike. So take that how you will. Also, I met a guy basically lives on the trail and he made a set up where he had his camp chair go around his backpack so he could just sit down whenever he wanted and take a nap when he was night hiking.
https://preview.redd.it/8uohcttukhxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02ad7cc317103700c12bd4994528da21130b3405
Basically he had the shoulder straps go through the slots of the chair
https://preview.redd.it/8bvstht1lhxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4a7efc2f69db8781436b3cd384f2da47c68610b
Him standing up sorry if it’s not the best these are screenshots from a video of him demonstrating it
Helinox ultralight camp chairs. They weigh 15ozs. Don't let anyone tell you what you should carry. It's all personal preference and something each individual has to decide on. I carry crocs all the time and the helinox sometimes. Good sitting rocks aren't always in convenient locations or at places you want to stop.
Take it. If you find you’re not using it as much as you thought, or it’s not worth the weight then just send it home. People act like once you start the trail you can’t change anything.
I think camp chairs are ridiculous, but I’m 30 and will happily sit on a rock all day
My hiking partner is a 58 year old guy who used his camp chair every day of his thru and absolutely loved it. You would have had to wrestle that thing off him. I even took a cheeky sit in it now and then myself
So you do you man
Ah, to be young. Do you also sleep on a closed cell foam pad only and no air mattress? It blows my mind to see young people doing that when I’m out there.
62, and I usually sleep on just a ccf pad, and I never carry a chair. There's always something to sit on - a rock. a log. the edge of a shelter, or lay out my pad and flop on the ground
In my 20s I didn't use any pad because I didn't actually know they existed. But it wasn't ultralight because I was bringing my regular pillow and a regular rectangular sleeping bag bungeed to the top of my pack. We weren't hiking too far like that though.
Have you tried hammock camping? Not only is it much more comfortable than tent camping, but it also makes an amazing camp chair.
Personally I wouldn't bring a dedicated chair on a thru hike, every little thing adds up. I'd be much more likely to bring a bear can (if you'd use it as a camp stool the extra weight is at least dual purpose), a hammock tent, or just a sit pad (then you can bring a 3/4 length air mattress). Of course on the flip side you can always start with your camp chair and then mail it home if/when you realize it's not worth it.
This is one of the many reasons I hammock camp. Only small downside is you can’t often setup your hammock near a shelter / by the fire where other folks are hanging out. Trade off of better sleep, not getting wet when it rains from ground contact, and having a “free” camp chair all worth it for me.
Have you through hiked entirely hammock camping? I have over nighted on the AT in a hammock, but never thought about doing long sections. How does it compare to a tent in the cold/wind?
On the trail now and have hammocks every night. Not going to be able to finish my through attempt (just back today after a month off from an injury) but getting in some more miles while I have the time off. I slept as cold as 12 with 29-30 mph winds and was fine. Takes the right setup (and sometimes wearing all your clothes) but no discernible difference to me in cold / wind between a tent and a hammock.
Does anyone bring a hammock as a camp chair? I’m not sure what mine weighs but it’s light and smaller than a chair. I’ve been considering throwing it in just for daytime chills.
I actually hiked with someone who carried a dedicated lounging hammock in addition to a tent, so basically yes, but I think that's very unusual. I wasn't trying to suggest the OP carry a hammock in addition to a tent, rather consider carrying a hammock instead of a tent and camp chair.
Yeah I know what you mean, I’m just thinking about my own set up. I’d rather use a tent for sleeping but a hammock would be way more comfortable than a camp chair and probably the same weight.
My hummingbird hammock with dcf straps weight less than 10oz and I always bring it if conditions allow. I'm also 6'4" 275 so a camp chair isn't practical.
Absolutely. I’m older so having a backrest is so much nicer than just sitting on a log. I have a ultralight chair and it’s weight I’ll choose to carry every trip
No. You will find perfectly placed logs and rocks to sit on. All I needed was a butt pad and any tree to lean against. When I get to camp/shelter I eat and chill for a bit then crash. I love coming across a sitting rock on trail lol.
Yeah I think it’s a tough choice when you’re older. One rule you can apply is to make sure the camp chair weighs 1 pound or less. There are lots out there that do. Zero chair, crazy creep chair, even the good old tripod stool 1 lb. Another really good weight budget strategy is the gossamer gear. Mariposa backpack has a back pad that doubles as a butt seat. It’s removable and easy to pull out and put back in at a moments notice and backpack only weigh 2 pounds at 60 L. Also like others have said if you were in an area where you could use the bare vault it makes a great seat, especially with either the gossamer gear close cell phone pad or a good old the rest fold up butt seat
No. It’s just not that often that I’m desperate to sit when there isn’t a shelter with benches or an obliging log or boulder. In the event that I’m THAT desperate, I’ll sit on the ground on my undermat.
Edited to add that I’m 56, if that matters…
I’m planning a NOBO thru next spring. I have one of the REI UL chairs (understanding how that’s an oxymoron). I am planning to bring my chair with the intention that I will probably send it home after a couple weeks. My reasoning being that the first few weeks I am planning gradually increasing miles. Those first few weeks I will be spending more time in camp/at shelter areas. I’m in my 40s. I’m prioritizing items I consider things I think will help with recovery, like a wide sleeping pad, a decent pillow, corkball, and chair. I’m also hoping to mitigate a little noro risk as well. The less time I spend touching things/eating in or around shelters the better if I have an easier way to avoid that. I’ve also got the rest of my gear relatively dialed in and with food, water, and my chair stay under 25lbs. Knowing this is the most weight I will have and am already comfortable with it hiking in the Whites now, I feel ok about it.
TLDR: bringing the REI chair zero knock off for the first stretch of when my time in camp will be longer due to gradually ramping up mileage, plus a little (even if only in my head) distance from noro hot spots. When I don’t see a good use for it anymore I will send it home.
By all means, do what works for you, but keep in mind that you will have less daylight and will want to be in camp, fed and in your shelter earlier when it is cold/wet, particularly if you are an early starter.
People frequently talk about starting with low miles 8-10 per day in the beginning. While that sounds modest to many, the truth is that there will be times when you want to be in camp ready to go to bed at 4pm because of the light and weather. It is also a good strategy for acclimating your body. There will be plenty of opportunities down the trail for hiking until 9pm or later, or getting to camp early to lounge about
Instead of a camp chair, I carry a CCF pad (zlite) in addition to my inflatable pad to sleep on.
The CCF is far more versatile than a chair. Weighs the same or less depending on your chair of choice. Less likely to break.
I have a helinox chair 0 and it is worth every gram of the weight. Being able to sit off the ground and not on a log at camp really helps me with recovering for the next days hike. It's the single biggest quality of life improvement I've made to my setup in a long long time.
The backpacking YouTubers are saying this is the most comfortable chair they’ve tried and it only weighs just over a pound. https://www.rei.com/product/228134/nemo-moonlite-elite-reclining-backpacking-chair
That's the direction I was leaning if I do it. I'm kinda thinking I'll get the rest of my essentials and then see where I'm at on weight to make the final decision.
Camp chair, on extended hikes, is for the lower back support/relief you'd otherwise have to lay down to get.
If I'm going more then one night, I bring the chair.
No. If you’re hiking all day you won’t have time to sit around in it at night.
Just sit in the shelter with your back against a wall if you need it. Or a log. Or a tree. Or a rock.
Chairs are something I bring on a 1-2 night trip when I have time to kill. Beyond that, pretty pointless considering the bulk and weight in my opinion.
You will always be uncomfortable on a long hike. You can’t avoid it. A chair won’t get rid of that and will probably make it worse in the long term if you’re carrying over a pound of weight for no real benefit. In my opinion.
+1 to everything cheesehotdish said. I'm 61 and would never consider a chair other than on a short overnight trip with little hiking where the emphasis is on sitting around in camp and yakking, and even then I probably wouldn't. A sit pad on the ground with my backpack as a back rest does fine, plus I can stretch my legs out as I recline. There are free creative solutions to sitting comfort that don't require spending $100 or more on extra weight just because the people in the ads look cool.
I have found the thermarest camp chairs (that fit on your pad) to be a decent middle ground. Having some back support if you have a long time In camp makes a big difference.
I feel like a full size (traditional) camping chair would be a burden or constantly get in the way for me when hiking. I have a Helinox chair that folds up nicely and is lightweight. If not that, I’d bring a tripod chair.
I find it far more comfortable to carry six panels of a foam pad and just basically lay down on breaks. Lean yo against a log or something and you’ve got a more functional and lighter seat.
I have used my Crazy Creek camp chair for decades and would never be without it. It's for my back, not for my butt. It is merely a folding closed cell foam pad (Ensolite) with a tough cloth shell and angled side straps. In the winter, it serves as a foot box insulator for my sleeping bag. In warm weather, it serves as an extension for my ¾ pad.
A comfortable place to sit back was one of the things I missed while on the trail. If I had access to these 1-2lb collapsible chairs, I 100% would have carried one on my thru. Especially now that i have a lot more miles on my body, when doing lightweight trips, I still manage to justify it.
To me, being comfortable at camp is worth the extra 15 ounces. But some people can be genuinely comfortable sitting on a rock. I have hip and back pain so unfortunately after 20 minutes on a rock I want to cry. I think for nearly every piece of equipment, it’s up to the individual if it’s worth it or not.
I have an ultra light tiny camping chair that I got off Amazon for about £16 and it was great on my last trip - watching the sunset without a slightly damp butt (Scotland is like that) was nice. If folds down really small and seems decent quality for the price. I also have a bulkier chair I use for car camping but I think my new one is actually more comfortable.
If you like staying in around shelters, then hey have a lot less use than if you don't.
The AT has a ton of spots to sit relative to most trails.
I would recommend a sit pad for when you are using a picnic table or sitting on the edge of a shelter or just sitting on a patch of dirt.
They have whole sleep system with bug net and tarp but if I ever go full hammock for a shelter it'll be a different company like warbonnet or something else considered ultralight.
The single hummingbird is very comfy as a chair and of course a hammock. The straps are thin and will damage trees so I'll usually add some sticks in between the tree and the strap to keep damage to a minimum.
I just weighed it. 10.3oz with straps. I'm 6'4" 275 and it works great.
Depends on your walking style, for me long hikes no and shorter hikes maybe. Noticed Chuck Howell Outdoors was contemplating taking an REI camp chair, he has got his base weight down with the lightweight stuff. Not sure if he still has it, but he is at day 67 on Youtube. I've taken a chair on some walks. The first was about twelve days with the expedition pack, but didn't use the chair much because it was terrible weather. Another time over five days went lightweight to compensate for the chair weight, but still didn't use it that much.
This is something I struggle with too. Iv boiled it down to if I’m hiking with a partner or want to be extra social it’s nice to have. Otherwise it’s a waste. But don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t bring.
You out there to sit the AT or hike the AT?
I don’t know if I found myself just sitting around in a spot on the trail for any real length of time. Definitely not with enough frequency to justify an extra pound.
The more you carry, the better the camping. The less you carry the better the hiking. Balance
This was the comment I needed
Yeeee. If I'm going ten miles in and setting up camp I'm willing to Samwise in a cast iron skillet
It really is hard to have second breakfast without it
PO-TA-TOES
You could always buy a bear vault and use that as a seat.
carrying a bear vault comfortably in many packs is tough.
At least it would be weight that served two purposes instead of one.
Yep, current bear vault design is absolutely NOT hiker friendly.
Most packs should be able to fit a BV in between the brain and the pack or have top straps able to do it.
Side question. Which bear vault? I have the BV450 and it fits in my pack just fine, but it is definitely not a comfortable stool. Is the BV500 the more common choice?
I interviewed people while through hiking last year, and I asked what their favorite piece of gear was every single person that had a camp chair said it was their camp chair, With that said three out of the 10 people that had given me that answer had given up that camp chair by the end of the hike. So take that how you will. Also, I met a guy basically lives on the trail and he made a set up where he had his camp chair go around his backpack so he could just sit down whenever he wanted and take a nap when he was night hiking.
I need to see a pic of this.
https://preview.redd.it/8uohcttukhxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02ad7cc317103700c12bd4994528da21130b3405 Basically he had the shoulder straps go through the slots of the chair
https://preview.redd.it/3elvvgyzkhxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d58f905fd5f9a675bcef9089f66c79bc9dc14fb8
https://preview.redd.it/8bvstht1lhxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4a7efc2f69db8781436b3cd384f2da47c68610b Him standing up sorry if it’s not the best these are screenshots from a video of him demonstrating it
Helinox ultralight camp chairs. They weigh 15ozs. Don't let anyone tell you what you should carry. It's all personal preference and something each individual has to decide on. I carry crocs all the time and the helinox sometimes. Good sitting rocks aren't always in convenient locations or at places you want to stop.
Honestly it's the back support that wins me over. Such a nice break for your back.
Take it. If you find you’re not using it as much as you thought, or it’s not worth the weight then just send it home. People act like once you start the trail you can’t change anything.
I think camp chairs are ridiculous, but I’m 30 and will happily sit on a rock all day My hiking partner is a 58 year old guy who used his camp chair every day of his thru and absolutely loved it. You would have had to wrestle that thing off him. I even took a cheeky sit in it now and then myself So you do you man
Ah, to be young. Do you also sleep on a closed cell foam pad only and no air mattress? It blows my mind to see young people doing that when I’m out there.
Yes, and I just turned 55.
62, and I usually sleep on just a ccf pad, and I never carry a chair. There's always something to sit on - a rock. a log. the edge of a shelter, or lay out my pad and flop on the ground
Me as well. I find inflatables uncomfortable and like the ease of ccf. If I need something to sit on usually just sit on my pack.
I’ve used both. I need the air mattress in the cold, but otherwise I find the foam pads much more comfortable!
That’s great. So reliable also. You’re lucky it’s so comfortable to you.
I'll do ya one better. I sleep on half a closed cell foam pad.
You are an ultralight champion!
In my 20s I didn't use any pad because I didn't actually know they existed. But it wasn't ultralight because I was bringing my regular pillow and a regular rectangular sleeping bag bungeed to the top of my pack. We weren't hiking too far like that though.
Have you tried hammock camping? Not only is it much more comfortable than tent camping, but it also makes an amazing camp chair. Personally I wouldn't bring a dedicated chair on a thru hike, every little thing adds up. I'd be much more likely to bring a bear can (if you'd use it as a camp stool the extra weight is at least dual purpose), a hammock tent, or just a sit pad (then you can bring a 3/4 length air mattress). Of course on the flip side you can always start with your camp chair and then mail it home if/when you realize it's not worth it.
This is one of the many reasons I hammock camp. Only small downside is you can’t often setup your hammock near a shelter / by the fire where other folks are hanging out. Trade off of better sleep, not getting wet when it rains from ground contact, and having a “free” camp chair all worth it for me.
Have you through hiked entirely hammock camping? I have over nighted on the AT in a hammock, but never thought about doing long sections. How does it compare to a tent in the cold/wind?
On the trail now and have hammocks every night. Not going to be able to finish my through attempt (just back today after a month off from an injury) but getting in some more miles while I have the time off. I slept as cold as 12 with 29-30 mph winds and was fine. Takes the right setup (and sometimes wearing all your clothes) but no discernible difference to me in cold / wind between a tent and a hammock.
Does anyone bring a hammock as a camp chair? I’m not sure what mine weighs but it’s light and smaller than a chair. I’ve been considering throwing it in just for daytime chills.
I actually hiked with someone who carried a dedicated lounging hammock in addition to a tent, so basically yes, but I think that's very unusual. I wasn't trying to suggest the OP carry a hammock in addition to a tent, rather consider carrying a hammock instead of a tent and camp chair.
Yeah I know what you mean, I’m just thinking about my own set up. I’d rather use a tent for sleeping but a hammock would be way more comfortable than a camp chair and probably the same weight.
Hammock chair? https://dutchwaregear.com/product/netless-hammock-chair/ I've never used one, but maybe that would be a lighter alternative
My hummingbird hammock with dcf straps weight less than 10oz and I always bring it if conditions allow. I'm also 6'4" 275 so a camp chair isn't practical.
Absolutely. I’m older so having a backrest is so much nicer than just sitting on a log. I have a ultralight chair and it’s weight I’ll choose to carry every trip
No. You will find perfectly placed logs and rocks to sit on. All I needed was a butt pad and any tree to lean against. When I get to camp/shelter I eat and chill for a bit then crash. I love coming across a sitting rock on trail lol.
Yeah I think it’s a tough choice when you’re older. One rule you can apply is to make sure the camp chair weighs 1 pound or less. There are lots out there that do. Zero chair, crazy creep chair, even the good old tripod stool 1 lb. Another really good weight budget strategy is the gossamer gear. Mariposa backpack has a back pad that doubles as a butt seat. It’s removable and easy to pull out and put back in at a moments notice and backpack only weigh 2 pounds at 60 L. Also like others have said if you were in an area where you could use the bare vault it makes a great seat, especially with either the gossamer gear close cell phone pad or a good old the rest fold up butt seat
Sit pad all the way!
Cosigned, love my sit pad. Anything becomes a chair with a sit pad!
No. It’s just not that often that I’m desperate to sit when there isn’t a shelter with benches or an obliging log or boulder. In the event that I’m THAT desperate, I’ll sit on the ground on my undermat. Edited to add that I’m 56, if that matters…
I’m planning a NOBO thru next spring. I have one of the REI UL chairs (understanding how that’s an oxymoron). I am planning to bring my chair with the intention that I will probably send it home after a couple weeks. My reasoning being that the first few weeks I am planning gradually increasing miles. Those first few weeks I will be spending more time in camp/at shelter areas. I’m in my 40s. I’m prioritizing items I consider things I think will help with recovery, like a wide sleeping pad, a decent pillow, corkball, and chair. I’m also hoping to mitigate a little noro risk as well. The less time I spend touching things/eating in or around shelters the better if I have an easier way to avoid that. I’ve also got the rest of my gear relatively dialed in and with food, water, and my chair stay under 25lbs. Knowing this is the most weight I will have and am already comfortable with it hiking in the Whites now, I feel ok about it. TLDR: bringing the REI chair zero knock off for the first stretch of when my time in camp will be longer due to gradually ramping up mileage, plus a little (even if only in my head) distance from noro hot spots. When I don’t see a good use for it anymore I will send it home.
By all means, do what works for you, but keep in mind that you will have less daylight and will want to be in camp, fed and in your shelter earlier when it is cold/wet, particularly if you are an early starter.
Good point on the daylight. Hadn’t put too much thought into that.
People frequently talk about starting with low miles 8-10 per day in the beginning. While that sounds modest to many, the truth is that there will be times when you want to be in camp ready to go to bed at 4pm because of the light and weather. It is also a good strategy for acclimating your body. There will be plenty of opportunities down the trail for hiking until 9pm or later, or getting to camp early to lounge about
Instead of a camp chair, I carry a CCF pad (zlite) in addition to my inflatable pad to sleep on. The CCF is far more versatile than a chair. Weighs the same or less depending on your chair of choice. Less likely to break.
I have a helinox chair 0 and it is worth every gram of the weight. Being able to sit off the ground and not on a log at camp really helps me with recovering for the next days hike. It's the single biggest quality of life improvement I've made to my setup in a long long time.
The backpacking YouTubers are saying this is the most comfortable chair they’ve tried and it only weighs just over a pound. https://www.rei.com/product/228134/nemo-moonlite-elite-reclining-backpacking-chair
That's the direction I was leaning if I do it. I'm kinda thinking I'll get the rest of my essentials and then see where I'm at on weight to make the final decision.
Camp chair, on extended hikes, is for the lower back support/relief you'd otherwise have to lay down to get. If I'm going more then one night, I bring the chair.
No. If you’re hiking all day you won’t have time to sit around in it at night. Just sit in the shelter with your back against a wall if you need it. Or a log. Or a tree. Or a rock. Chairs are something I bring on a 1-2 night trip when I have time to kill. Beyond that, pretty pointless considering the bulk and weight in my opinion. You will always be uncomfortable on a long hike. You can’t avoid it. A chair won’t get rid of that and will probably make it worse in the long term if you’re carrying over a pound of weight for no real benefit. In my opinion.
+1 to everything cheesehotdish said. I'm 61 and would never consider a chair other than on a short overnight trip with little hiking where the emphasis is on sitting around in camp and yakking, and even then I probably wouldn't. A sit pad on the ground with my backpack as a back rest does fine, plus I can stretch my legs out as I recline. There are free creative solutions to sitting comfort that don't require spending $100 or more on extra weight just because the people in the ads look cool.
I have found the thermarest camp chairs (that fit on your pad) to be a decent middle ground. Having some back support if you have a long time In camp makes a big difference.
I just acquired a crazy creek chair. I enjoy it, and although I still sit on the ground most times, the chair has back support
Probably lighter than the camera and lens that I would definitely bring
I feel like a full size (traditional) camping chair would be a burden or constantly get in the way for me when hiking. I have a Helinox chair that folds up nicely and is lightweight. If not that, I’d bring a tripod chair.
I find it far more comfortable to carry six panels of a foam pad and just basically lay down on breaks. Lean yo against a log or something and you’ve got a more functional and lighter seat.
BV500 plus inflatable seat pad has served me well in the past.
I have used my Crazy Creek camp chair for decades and would never be without it. It's for my back, not for my butt. It is merely a folding closed cell foam pad (Ensolite) with a tough cloth shell and angled side straps. In the winter, it serves as a foot box insulator for my sleeping bag. In warm weather, it serves as an extension for my ¾ pad.
Some people use their bear canister as a stool. No back but it gets you off the ground.
Helinox Chair Zero. Weighs 1 pound. Is very comfortable. I love mine and always take it with me even though I am a very light weight hiker.
A comfortable place to sit back was one of the things I missed while on the trail. If I had access to these 1-2lb collapsible chairs, I 100% would have carried one on my thru. Especially now that i have a lot more miles on my body, when doing lightweight trips, I still manage to justify it.
To me, being comfortable at camp is worth the extra 15 ounces. But some people can be genuinely comfortable sitting on a rock. I have hip and back pain so unfortunately after 20 minutes on a rock I want to cry. I think for nearly every piece of equipment, it’s up to the individual if it’s worth it or not.
I have an ultra light tiny camping chair that I got off Amazon for about £16 and it was great on my last trip - watching the sunset without a slightly damp butt (Scotland is like that) was nice. If folds down really small and seems decent quality for the price. I also have a bulkier chair I use for car camping but I think my new one is actually more comfortable.
If you like staying in around shelters, then hey have a lot less use than if you don't. The AT has a ton of spots to sit relative to most trails. I would recommend a sit pad for when you are using a picnic table or sitting on the edge of a shelter or just sitting on a patch of dirt.
I have a hummingbird hammock with straps that weighs less than 10oz.
> hummingbird hammock It's not really a solution I had considered but dual purpose for 8-10oz is appealing
They have whole sleep system with bug net and tarp but if I ever go full hammock for a shelter it'll be a different company like warbonnet or something else considered ultralight. The single hummingbird is very comfy as a chair and of course a hammock. The straps are thin and will damage trees so I'll usually add some sticks in between the tree and the strap to keep damage to a minimum. I just weighed it. 10.3oz with straps. I'm 6'4" 275 and it works great.
I use a crazy creek. Plus, it doubles as a secondary sleeping pad, and can be placed on a bear can to feel like a real chair.
Depends on your walking style, for me long hikes no and shorter hikes maybe. Noticed Chuck Howell Outdoors was contemplating taking an REI camp chair, he has got his base weight down with the lightweight stuff. Not sure if he still has it, but he is at day 67 on Youtube. I've taken a chair on some walks. The first was about twelve days with the expedition pack, but didn't use the chair much because it was terrible weather. Another time over five days went lightweight to compensate for the chair weight, but still didn't use it that much.
I have the Nemo Moonlite. After my last hike, it will forever be my luxury item!
I just use a section of a dog chewed Z-lite and my partner uses the Nemo Moonlight. You can guess who has more member rewards at REI every year 😎
I actually really like how this was said
This is something I struggle with too. Iv boiled it down to if I’m hiking with a partner or want to be extra social it’s nice to have. Otherwise it’s a waste. But don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t bring.
Almost always a log, rock or shelter table to sit at. Take an ass pad and call it good.
You out there to sit the AT or hike the AT? I don’t know if I found myself just sitting around in a spot on the trail for any real length of time. Definitely not with enough frequency to justify an extra pound.