What core packing lesson did the author learn from the trek?

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The Author Learned That Packing Light is an Art Form Yet to Be Mastered

The author discovered that living out of a backpack is an art, one she has not yet fully mastered. Her shoulders ached a week after returning from the trek, a physical reminder of her overpacking. A key takeaway for future trips is to pack only the bare minimum, a lesson reinforced by the experience of her youngest child handing over his heavy rucksack on the first day.
The Burden of Overpacking Became Immediately Apparent

On the very first day of the trek, the author's youngest child, struggling with the weight of his rucksack, passed it to her. This immediate physical burden served as a stark introduction to the challenges of carrying excessive weight. The author described herself as being laden with "jumbo backpacks front and back," feeling like a "Welsh pit pony" resigned to a difficult task.
A French Saying Highlighted the Psychological Impact of Heavy Loads

An online quote the author had read, "Un sac trop lourd est un sac chargé d’angoisse" which translates to "a heavy bag is a bag loaded with anguish," proved prescient. This sentiment, attributed to Freud, resonated with her experience of carrying an overly heavy load. It served as a stark reminder that the physical weight of the backpack was directly linked to a feeling of anxiety.
The Author Identified Specific Items That Should Have Been Left Behind

Reflecting on her packing choices, the author explicitly listed items she regretted bringing. These included a makeup bag, an excessive amount of clothing, and jewellery. These "what not to take" items underscore her realisation that she had packed far more than was necessary for the mountain trek.
The Ultimate Lesson Was to Pack Only the Essentials

The author's self-directed note to herself, "Pack the bare minimum," encapsulates the core packing lesson learned. This principle was further supported by the advice from a refuge keeper, who stated, "What you bring up, you take down!" This reinforces the idea of necessity and the burden of carrying items that are not essential to the journey.

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What core packing lesson did the author learn from the trek?

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