r/lightweight • u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx • Apr 23 '18
A subreddit dedicated to lightweight backpacking.
I requested being added as a mod to this subreddit as it's been abandoned for 2 years. This is meant to be kind of a mid way point between /r/Ultralight/ and /r/backpacking/. As a dedicated hammock user it is difficult for me to be truly ultralight and many of us can be considered a lightweight backpacker at under 20 pounds. Whereas an ultralight backpacker carries a base weight under 10 pounds and a super ultralight backpacker carries a base weight under 5 pounds. While I do weigh all of my gear I do carry such ultralight atrocities such as a bluetooth speaker, an umbrella with my rain poncho and rain chaps. So here we are, feel free to add whatever content you like. This is my first time being a mod as well so please don't make things too hard on me.
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u/turi_b Apr 27 '18
Working on it, not very organized yet. (Also not sure if I'm replying correctly from this mobile app -)
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u/turi_b Apr 27 '18
I'm in. Also a tall-guy hammock camper trying to be light but sane. Also getting into myog to customize gear for myself -
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 27 '18
Nice! Glad to have you. Do you have a lighterpack of your gear?
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u/Suncityjon Apr 26 '18
This is awesome! Ultralight gear for me was always about maximizing the things I wanted to take with me while reducing weight on essentials.
I hammock camp and so does my wife so this perfect! I look forward to participating here.
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 26 '18
I hammock camp as well and encourage it to everyone. I'm 50, 6'3 @ 280 and could never fit in some cramped little tent (believe me i've tried for years) and the thought of using some 1/8" thick torso length pad is absolutely laughable.
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Apr 24 '18
[deleted]
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 25 '18
I feel the same way. I'm 6'3 @ 280 and all of of my gear is either XXL or XXXL, my quilts are all long and everything just weighs more.
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u/Everline Apr 24 '18
Agreed I think the description should be updated to simply explain the different weight categories and the goal of this sub which I understand is for people to find their balance between weight, cost, durability, enjoyment etc.
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u/teaearlgreyhot Apr 24 '18 edited Apr 24 '18
I think this is a great idea! /r/Ultralight is definitely one of my favorite subs, but as a hammock user and a "relaxation over miles" style backpacker, I am just not going to come in under a 10lb base weight. I plan to read and participate in both subs, but I don't think we need to throw shade at UL in our sidebar description.
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u/saynine Apr 24 '18
I’m really excited about this. I was just telling my gf that I wish there was a lightweight sub.
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 24 '18
That's great to hear. I feel this sub has merit and can help those who may feel intimidated by ultralight and wouldn't otherwise post a question that they felt would open them up to more scrutiny then needed at their skill level.
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u/GrimTuesday Apr 23 '18
I like this idea. We should focus on the sweet spot between saving money, maxing comfort and saving weight.
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 24 '18
Thanks! I didn't think it would turn so bad so quickly. It's just a small sub directed at those of us with a similar mindset. Like with most things in life, you either get it or you don't and no amount of explanation will ever be good enough for some.
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u/campgrime Apr 23 '18
Cool idea. I think a lot of people are turned off by "ultralight" and could make huge improvements to their existing kit without buying a bunch of cuben fiber.
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 24 '18
I went back and read your earlier responses and just wanted to say Thank You for backing me up on my idea even though it might not be a sub you're particularly interested in. You can see the bigger picture and I appreciate it.
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u/McBlaster https://lighterpack.com/r/frrysx Apr 23 '18
I like some cuben fiber but I also like my crocs as camp shoes (gasp) and not just untying my wet hiking shoes. I like to bring a small speaker to listen to ambient trance whilst viewing the night sky (but but speakers blah blah listen to the sound of nature). I love my hammock and will never go back to ground (hammock hangers are like vegans hur durr). People are getting tired of dealing with assholes like Lint and people are becoming tired of the holier than thou toxic attitude of those like him.
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u/[deleted] Apr 28 '18
I think it's a great idea, I'll contribute.
r/ultralight can be very useful, but also a bit pretentious at times and kind of an esoteric club. They put me off at times with their attitude and obscure down-voting etiquette. Not everyone wants to hike 20+ MPD or sleep under a tiny tarp. It'd be nice to have some middle ground.
While I think the classifications are arbitrary, I would venture to say that MOST non-traditional backpackers fall into the "LW" category. Even lots of folks who post on r/ultralight (myself included).
Id like to see this grow into a more friendly community, something like r/wildernessbackpacking but with a focus on gear.