I always carry too much kit but have used every bit of it. I am not sure if I neededto use it or I just used it in order to justify carrying it. I carry a wind up torch in case my headlight batteries run out. I know there are many places you can buy batteries but I figure what if they run out after the shops have closed and in the middle of a storm?

I always carry a poncho which has doubled up as a groundsheet to sit on, a wind break and a bivvy bag when I thought the heavens would come gushing through the roof of my tent! They can be folded up much smaller than this picture https://amazonsourcetosea.wordpress....p-carousel-221

I struggle constantly to know what to leave behind as I am sure the item I leave will be the one I need when in the middle of no where with no one in sight and generally in the dark with a storm brewing.

Having been caught out with the wrong gear in the snow and freezing cold and again in torrential rain where I discovered my "waterproof" panniers were not (long since replaced) I have no wish to be caught out again. I ended up with a paddling pool in my tent and my dripping wet clothes, sleeping bags, etc just adding to it. As a result I now carry a tarp so wet stuff can drip outside of the tent even in the rain.

Hope this helps to at least justify carrying "unnecessary" gear as it is only required when you need it!

GM

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