Honestly, I was a total snob about ultralight gear for way too long.

Tbh, I spent like 5 years and probably over $2,000 chasing the lowest base weight, thinking it was the only way to do a 3-day trip right. The moment I knew I was wrong was last fall on the Superior Hiking Trail. My buddy, who carried a heavier pack with a real chair and a bigger stove, was just... happier at camp every single night. He was warm, comfortable, and making hot drinks while I was huddled on a foam pad trying to stay out of the wind. It made me see that saving 8 ounces isn't worth being miserable for hours. Has anyone else switched from ultralight to more of a 'comfortable light' setup and been way happier for it?

3 comments

3 Comments

anna_nelson1mo ago

My rule now is to only cut weight if it won't hurt my comfort at camp.

david_martin1mo ago

Totally agree, that's the smart way to do it. I used to cut my sleeping pad weight and froze all night, which just wrecks you for hiking the next day. Now my camp shoes and a real pillow are the last things I'd ever drop. Being miserable at camp makes the whole trip worse, not better.

samf9546m ago

Lightweight isn't always comfortable, but my ultralight setup never made me miserable on trail.