So this is probably my insecurities showing but I have an invisible disability that affects my walking and stamina. Also my body doesn’t regulate my temperature very well. I tell you all this bc when I go even on a small trail, I have a sun hat and a hydration backpack and hiking poles. If you were to see someone on the trail like that, would you think they are a try hard? Or not think about me at all? It won’t stop me but I do wonder sometimes.
edit: Thanks y’all I’m feeling better. Sometimes I’m in my own head too much for sure
I mostly wouldn’t notice. If I did think you had a lot of gear for the trail, I’d probably assume you were testing out new stuff — I’ve certainly carried poles or whatever else on trails where I didn’t really need them because I wanted to get used to them, make sure they worked for me, etc. before going on a more strenuous hike. It would not cross my mind to judge somebody for being prepared in whatever way works best for them!