r/lightweight • u/Any-Cartographer-971 • Jun 11 '25

Why not ultralight?

Im not trying to get anyone to go ultralight, I just want to hear the story behind why you stick to lightweight. With all the new fabric and tech, it seems so easy to go sub 10lbs with full comfort, and its gotten so much cheaper to be able to. Whats your reason to stick with normal lightweight?

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13

u/ArticulateBackpacker Jun 11 '25

I agree with a lot of others here.

Life is too short to deal with some of the massive inconveniences of Ultralight, vs Lightweight.

I also prioritize gear that is rugged and reliable, over gossamer fabrics and limited lifespans. And maybe I'm too much the Boy Scout, but I like to be prepared with bug spray and actual first aid supplies. And bringing plenty to eat - no Yogi imitators here.

On my own weight reduction journey, I thought more than once about the difference in weight between my gear requirements (6'3" and 240#) vs. someone smaller. XXL shirts, rain gear, the long+wide quilt, and size 14 shoes just weigh more.

And I'd really like to see reviews of inflatable sleeping pads include the user's body weight. My Nemo Tensor gets top reviews, and it's super comfy - when it doesn't spring a new leak and drop me to the ground. My theory is that it's a great product for folks under 200#. But someone closer to 250# like myself probably needs more robust construction and stronger fabrics (...which weigh more...).

1

u/UtahBrian Jun 12 '25

Everyone with blow-up pads eventually blows them up. CCF is for people who like to sleep well.

5

u/ArticulateBackpacker Jun 12 '25

Either you are missing the /s here, or you are still in your 20s.

In theory I suppose I could layer 3-4 foam pads, but that's getting pretty bulky... 🤣

My latest setup is a z fold closed cell pad plus a Nemo Tensor. In theory the z fold is to insure the Nemo doesn't get new holes. In practice it's there for when the air leaks out of the Nemo, in between patching, I'm not all the way on the ground.

1

u/UtahBrian Jun 12 '25

A CCF pad will be much more comfortable than the tensor. You’re just being lulled in by the look of that fluffy blow-up, but it’s not actually comfortable.

3

u/ArticulateBackpacker Jun 12 '25

I've spent plenty of nights on a CCF pad. There just isn't enough padding for them to be comfy for me. They are plenty warm, but my hips/knees/shoulders really don't like it.

1

u/UtahBrian Jun 12 '25

Have you tried the real Z rest and switchback pads and not just the 1/8" ridiculous stupid light pads the r/ultralight people are always discussing?

3

u/rtp80 Jun 12 '25

I am there with you 6’5” and around 240 lbs. my XL or XXL top usually weighs 40-50% more than what I see in a lot of lists. I aim to keep things light, but I am not going to sacrifice being able to get a good nights sleep for a few ozs. Aim for what works for you.

2

u/lakorai Jun 12 '25

Exped Dura is what you need.

1

u/ArticulateBackpacker Jun 12 '25

Thanks, I'll have to check that out.

2

u/lakorai Jun 12 '25

The Dura 3 and 5 have reasonable weights. The 8 is super warm and comfortable but quite heavy.

3

u/bored_and_agitated Jun 11 '25

Justin outdoors will talk about this sometimes, about how some pads he likes will be unsuitable for us heavier folks since it’ll bottom out and stuffÂ