Quote Originally Posted by swjohnsey View Post
Your chances of seeing a bear in the woods is about the same as getting hit by a meteorite.
My score:
Bear's I've seen in the woods, something like 20 (12 on the AT, one in CA, the rest in Colorado, including two encounters where my unattended pack was shredded and food taken/eaten)
Hit by meteorites: zero, though I hold out hope for at least a close encounter !

On topic: if you find you need to dump your pack to visit features just off the trail, your pack is too damn heavy. I rarely notice mine. Strive for this, it will make you happy.