Aside from shifting your way of life, outdoor sports are more importantly a means of exercising your body. Just think—if lugging heavy gear impacts our health, that's not what anyone wants. Experienced hikers all know that protecting your knees is vital, because when your load exceeds one-third of your body weight, it can cause irreversible damage to your joints.
Before heading out, understand the climate changes at your destination. While meeting protection needs, down jackets are lighter than fleece, windbreakers are lighter than hardshells, short sleeves are lighter than long sleeves, and packing one outfit is lighter than three. If the chance of bad weather is less than 10%, don’t pack extra clothes for it.
When it comes to food, it’s best to bring high-energy snacks and carry as little other food as possible. Unless you plan to spend several days outdoors, there’s no need to bring cookware.
I think the heaviest things on daily outings are usually food and drinks, but when going camping with friends, you can’t help but bring more. So it can be a bit of a dilemma. Travel lighter, and enjoy the outdoors more.