Here’s a hint for you: She wasn’t seeking your endorsement.
It isn’t about looking like a jerk to you, but to other people. Don’t you realize how embarrassing it would be for him if you are carrying a backpack and he isn’t? In any case your statements are inconsistent. You said he was gallant, which implies that he hadn’t offered it would be un-gallant. I’ve carried enough woman’s stuff in my time that I can accurately report what is going on in a guy’s head. Carrying a backpack does beat carrying your purse or your shoes unless the backpack is pink or a pastel color.
OTOH, offering you his coat when it is chilly is actually okay. Guys actually think that is romantic. Ditto sharing an umbrella.
P.S 4 pounds of water?
The only think you can accurately report is what is going on in YOUR head. You are hardly a spokesperson for all men.
Hell, my husband puts rocks in his backpack if it’s not heavy enough or needs balancing. He also insists on using the doubles lines when we play tennis. He’s constantly seeking a better workout because he’s a cardio junkie. Plus, truth be known, he likes showing off his physical prowess. Besides, watching his ass when he climbs ahead of me lugging a 50 pound backpack is still a fine sight, even after 25 years.
Oh, and FTR, the number of times I carry my husband’s shit in my purse far outweighs the number of times he carries my shit in his backpack. I’m happy to report that I don’t harbor deep-seated resentment against him because I’m asked to lug around his sunglasses and car keys AGAIN.
No they aren’t. Thinking some one is gallant for doing something does not imply they aren’t if they don’t do something. If he hadn’t offered I would have thought no less of him.
Yes, it was over 100 degrees, enough water is a must. And we ended up sharing because he forgot water and it was easier to share since I had packed more than I needed alone rather than stopping and buying some for him.
When I’m doing yard work in hot weather I can easily go through that much water. And as the old saying goes “a pint’s a pound the world around.” When they were teenagers my brothers had a summer job with a painting crew and they used to take gallon jugs of water with them every morning.
Anyway, they were on a hiking trail. Who was going to see them to know if he was carrying a pack or not, let alone think he was a jerk/unmanly for not having one?? Mauvaise said she’d have been perfectly fine carrying the pack herself so I doubt she’d have thought her date was being ungentlemanly if he hadn’t offered.
Maybe on your next date you’ll get to carry your date’s hot pink tote bag, some strappy stiletto heels, and a pink fuzzy backpack decorated with rhinestones and ruffles 
I think it sounds really cute. What’s your issue with it?
It isn’t whether he would have lost points for not carrying the backpack, but whether he scored points for doing so. Unless you were using ‘gallant’ in an ironic sense it sounds like he did.
Going hiking at over 100 degrees is a date? It sound more like Army Ranger Training. I live in Orlando and most people avoid vigorous outdoor exercise above 95.
No, not ironic. And yeah he scored points, but that still isn’t the same as saying he would look like a jerk for not offering. Like I said, I wouldn’t have brought anything I wasn’t fully prepared and willing to carry myself. I’ve hiked with other guys that didn’t offer to carry anything and I was just as willing to go out with them again as I am with this guy.
This is Phoenix. It’s a dry heat.
Little hiking date today at 5:00. Any bets on whether she wears a skirt?
After all this, I think I’ll actually be a little bit disappointed if she doesn’t.
Send me her profile - I’ll casually suggest she should.
Just allow her to make her own decision about taking scissors to the liner. Heh!
Of course, at least for this first date. It is a first date, yes?
Yep!