Most packing lists online are written by people who've never actually carried their own bag up a hill. Here's a shorter, more honest one.
Clothing: 3 sets, not 6
One to wear, one drying, one spare. You will rewear things. Nobody on a 3-day trip is judging your outfit repeats.
One good jacket beats three mediocre ones
A single windproof, water-resistant layer covers evenings, early mornings, and unexpected weather. Skip the fashion jacket — bring the functional one.
Footwear is the one place to not compromise
Broken-in shoes only. New shoes on a 3-day trip is how blisters end a trip by day two.
Power bank over multiple chargers
One 10,000mAh power bank and a single cable covers your phone for the whole trip. Skip the charger brick unless you're near outlets often.
A dedicated day bag inside your main bag
A small foldable bag for day hikes means you're not carrying your full pack for short walks — genuinely one of the most underrated packing tricks.
What to actually leave behind
Multiple pairs of jeans (heavy, slow to dry), a hairdryer (just don't), and "just in case" outfits for events that won't happen. If you're unsure whether to pack something, that's usually your answer.
Bring less than you think you need — you'll thank yourself on the second uphill stretch.
