Hard to say - In the other thread, I posted a link to the Brentwood Homepage (out of Gerry's hometown). They report that she was found in her tent. Other places online, place her in her sleeping bag, in her tent. If you look at the picture taken at the lean-to, that pack doesn't look all that lightweight. If I had to guess, I would say she was carrying a sleeping bag and tent for in case of emergencies.
"The remains, found inside a tent in a rugged area about 600 yards west of the Appalachian Trail, are thought to be those of Geraldine Largay..."
That was from this link: http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/mis...4#.ViL4AyuNAnI
At this point, who knows what is what...the reporters all seem to say different distances. The tent piece could be misinformation on the reporter's fault... But, I would not be shocked if Gerry ditched extra food in order to keep carrying her tent. You can go a few days without food, but one does not want to be caught out in the elements without shelter.