>>855061I've been on reasonably long hikes quite comfortably with a 40lb pack. If we're talking about 'beginners', they're not going to be hiking the AT.
If you carry anything for no reason at all it isn't very clever
Milsurp gear isn't bad and has its place. It's a personal preference thing. I like my ALICE pack a lot, but also like my Osprey Volt.
External frames have their place, too. Again it's personal preference and depends on the task at hand.
Knife length is subjective and, again, depends on preference and the task at hand. If you need to save on every ounce and won't be using a knife because you're doing an extremely long hike, bring a tiny little knife. If you're going to be doing any hunting of bushcraft or whatever, a bigger knife might be necessary.
Don't need a sleeping pad if you're in a hammock or it's super hot, like in Australia.
I will compromise on heavier footwear for durability and waterproof-ness. I've had lightweight hiking boots spring leaks, but my Rocky Bearclaw leather boots have been through hell and back and never let me down.
You can get a lot of cooking done on a fire, and AGAIN it depends on personal preference and the individual situation.
Being far away from civilisation without the comforts of home can be dangerous for anyone, especially a beginner who doesn't know how to pack and underestimates water requirements or the weather.
At the end of the day, people go outdoors to enjoy themselves. That's the purpose. It's not a competition. Get off whatever high horse you're on. People just want to have fun. You just want to have fun outdoors. That's the point of it.
If you want to bring a twenty inch knife and only cook on wood fires on your 30 mile hike, but you enjoy doing it and are happy to pack the weight or happy to adjust accordingly, who actually gives a fuck?
Who fucking cares, as long as everyone enjoys themselves?
>Inb4 "u never go outside"Pic related is me hiking up the Dart river in New Zealand
