We are the sum of our life experiences, so your perspective on what you need and want to pack is heavily influenced on how you have lived. But we can adapt and learn, so this is a great discussion. My past included moving constantly as a kid, dorm living in college, and living in a spare room and sleeping on a hide a bed while I routinely travelled the world for weeks at a time living out of a garment bag, tool case, and computer bag. For years I hiked with my old high school buddies, and hot weather camping once had a pack out weight of 14 pounds dry, including handgun and fishing gear. Then I became partially disabled, caged in a cubicle, much more sedentary, and over time overwhelmed with possessions. When I started vehicle based hunting, fishing, exploring, or camping, oh the joy of being lazy and throwing everything in I might need. When the first long "overloading" trip came up for planning, I knew I'd have to return to my roots and pack light as the thought of wallowing the full size Tahoe through Death Valley wilderness got me thinking again. And then downsizing to a WJ ramped up the need to lighten up much further. By myself I can get away with recovery gear, water, fuel, tools, a few clothes, small tent and backpacking sleeping gear, a log of salami, block of cheese, and 12 pack of coke. A good oversized folding chair then becomes my luxury item. I can thank my past for conditioning me. But my female companion, on the other hand, is used to packing until every nook and granny is filled so the kids have no excuse to get cranky. So it has been an interesting experience in educating and compromise as we learn to travel together. Luckily I have access to a scale at work, and was able to demonstrate how quickly gross vehicle weight is exceeded with a full kitchen, big fridge, chest full of food we won't eat, pop up canopy, huge tent, you get the idea. My advice is if you are struggling to figure out your kit, weigh your vehicle with essentials in it (recovery and safety gear) add occupant weight, and figure out what your weight budget is before exceeding your vehicle spec. Then pack to not exceed the budget. The more remote you plan, the more of the budget goes to fuel, water, tools, parts, communications, etc. And the more you will need a minimalist backpacking mindset. Share gear with your group, you don't need 5 hi-lift jacks, but 2 would be prudent. 2 pair of Railrider adventure pants can last 2 weeks with river washing and sun dry, rather than several pairs of heavy cotton jeans. And so on...... think about it between trips and then learn on each trip, its all part of the adventure. Nobody nails it on the first try..or second or third....
