Let’s be honest for a moment. We have all been that person. You know the one. You’re standing at the trailhead, looking majestic. You’re wearing flannel. You have a vague, adventurous look in your eyes that says, "I am one with nature." But then, you try to swing your backpack onto your shoulders, and for a split second, you think gravity has suddenly increased by 400%. You let out a noise that sounds less like a rugged explorer and more like a deflating bagpipes. Welcome to the club. It is the "Why Did I Pack a Cast Iron Skillet?" club. For years, my hiking strategy was based on the concept of "The Apocalypse." I didn't just pack for a weekend trip; I packed as if civilization was ending on Tuesday and I needed to rebuild society from the contents of my bag. I carried heavy boots, a tent that weighed as much as a small Honda Civic, and enough canned beans to open a bodega in the wilderness. The result? My knees sounded like popcorn popping every time...