A day on the trail is more enjoyable when your bag is light and you still have what you need.
Start with water, a simple lunch and a snack. Add one warm layer and a rain jacket, even if the morning looks clear. A small first aid kit and a charged phone with an offline map cover the rest.
Leave behind anything you would carry only just in case. Every extra item adds up by the afternoon.
Before you go, tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.