hiking

I'm not a big hiker man but when I've gone I'd probably not notice and at most think "oh well they're well prepared".

Gotta realise that the people that would judge you are not people whose opinion you should care about

You do you, buddy. Honestly, when I’m on the trail I barely register folks who aren’t in my party (save the friendly wave / hello I try to offer). At the risk of sounding like an ass, I’ll fall back on the words of Don Draper: “I don’t think about you at all.”

Seriously, though, hike your own hike and have fun. Life is too short to worry about the thoughts / opinions of someone you see for 10 seconds walking the other way.

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!

Big hat, lots of water, and hiking poles? You're one of us, buddy.

Like trying too hard to stay alive? Lol
You hike exactly how I hike. I find poles keep my hands raised and prevents swelling, I hate the sun in my eyes and always wear a hat, and I get dehydrated very easily and always have my hydration pack accessible for instant water while I hike. I think only the ones that seem obviously unprepared for the hike may get questioned looks. But hike your own hike.

I'm the guy you're meeting going in the other direction, with an InReach device clipped to my shoulder strap on the same easy frontcountry trail. Do what works for you, and enjoy the outdoors.

Now, if you were the one blasting a bluetooth speaker and throwing beer cans in the bushes, I admit I would be sorely tempted to judge you...

No judging from me - I live in Norcal and we have all sorts of characters on the trail here!