Warning: The last mile into Tuolumne Meadows almost broke me

Phoenix Perry · 2026-03-22T00:45:04.361373+00:00

I was pushing hard on the John Muir Trail last August, trying to cover 18 miles in a day to beat a storm. My pack felt fine until that final climb, where a loose hip belt buckle gave out and all the weight shifted to my shoulders. What's your go-to gear check before a big push like that?

lunakim6mo ago

I used to just check the big stuff, but now I always tug every strap like @abby_wilson51 says.

6

dakota_nelson436mo ago

Ever notice how the last step is always the hardest?

5

abby_wilson516mo ago

Always check the buckles (learned that the hard way).

1