Early on my thru, on a short rainy day a bunch of us holed up at the old leaky gooch gap shelter. One perspective thruhiker was complaining about how heavy his pack was. I asked if he had done much backpacking before. His response was, "No, but I read a lot of Ed Garvey!" That quote still makes me laugh! We went through his pack. Commercial first aid kit complete in its 2" x 12"x18" plastic box, full bath towel, 2 pairs of spare jeans, several books, 300 count pack of Q-tips,brand new top of the line silva compass in leather case... I helped him decide what to dump to reduce his weight. When it came down to the compass I said I'd send the case home & keep the compass. He then admitted he didn't know how to use it. When I asked him why he had it he said it was on the top ten essential gear list.