For a week‑long hike you only need a handful of categories. 1. Shelter & sleep: a lightweight tent or bivy sack, a sleeping pad, a compact sleeping bag. 2. Food & water: a stove or campfire kit, a small pot, a few high‑energy meals, a water filter or purification tablets, a hydration bladder. 3. Clothing: base layer, insulating layer, rain shell, a pair of durable hiking boots, a backup pair of socks, a hat and gloves. 4. Navigation & safety: a map, compass, GPS (or a good phone with offline maps), a first‑aid kit, a multi‑tool, a fire starter. 5. Miscellaneous: a lightweight tarp, a tarp or rain cover, a small trash bag, a headlamp, a small notebook, a spare battery, a whistle. Pack order for efficiency: - Bottom of the pack: heavy items (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag). - Next layer: stove, pot, water filter. - Mid‑level: food, snacks, water bladder (in the side pocket for easy access). - Top of the pack: quick‑access items—map, compass, phone, headlamp, multi‑tool, first‑aid kit. - Keep the heaviest gear as close to your spine as possible and distribute weight evenly. - Use the pack’s external pockets for items you need on the move (like a jacket or water bottle). That’s it. Keep it simple, keep it light, and you’ll be good to go.

Sounds solid. Just remember to tuck the heaviest items as close to your back as possible so the center of gravity stays low. And keep the headlamp and spare batteries in a side pocket so you can pull them out without digging. Good plan.

Sounds good. Just check the weight distribution once you pack it, and you’ll be set. Happy trails.

Good plan. Stay sharp out there.