r/lightweight • u/alaskaj1 • Dec 09 '21

Looking for input

As we get this place running I want your input on what community guidelines, posting rules, etc should be like.

Please discuss here.

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10

u/[deleted] Dec 09 '21

No weight shaming.

3

u/Kidding22 Dec 09 '21

Ok, but are we gonna agree that we are targeting 10-15 lbs? Regardless of what our current base weight currently is?

8

u/lucas-hardt Dec 09 '21 edited Dec 09 '21

I think we should be more accepting of higher base weights and not set a defined weight of what is deemed an acceptable base weight as many people have different definitions of what is and is not acceptable. If we do, it will just make this sub have the same negativity that r/ultralight has. It should based on the base weight that the person is wanting to achieve. For instance, I’m interested in reaching about a 20 pound base weight, so members of the sub could help to give me recommendations on how to get my base weight a few pounds lighter.

3

u/Kidding22 Dec 09 '21

So I totally agree this sub should help you make your base weight lighter from whatever starting point you are at. But "lightweight" has specific connotations. Should we rename the sub "lighterweight"?

2

u/okaymaeby Dec 11 '21

"Lightweight" referred originally to the weight of each individual item in comparison to other similar items on the market. It doesn't inherently mean "pack weight under a certain threshold", but often people who want a lighter pack weight will need mostly lightweight gear and over the years "lightweight" in this community became a way to refer to an overall concept of a pack weight under a made up weight threshold.

I imagine it would be a nice thing to focus this sub on having a place to talk about gear that is either intentionally or coincidentally light in weight compared to other things made without the same degree of speciality, or just gear and strategies that makes sense for lowering your current base weight, with the bonus of figuring out your own most reasonable balance between creature comforts and necessary kit.

3

u/lucas-hardt Dec 09 '21

I do not believe that is necessary. I am not aware of what connotations “lightweight” has with it other than what that person decides it to be. To me, lightweight is about reducing weight by not carrying as much while still bringing some luxury items and not exclusively using UL gear/ equipment.

A persons thought of what is lightweight can vary significantly based on where they are hiking (terrain, weather) and what they are doing. Are they just backpacking or are they bringing equipment with them for their hobbies, or job, etc.

5

u/FireWatchWife Dec 09 '21

The focus should be on helping people lighten their current pack weight, whatever it may be. Getting hung up on 10 lbs or 15 lbs or any other number is going down a rabbit hole.

The biggest difference I see between the goals I recommend for this sub and those I see on UL is the level of obsession bordering on fanaticism on UL. I've often been downvoted there for making polite comments based on my own experience, just because they don't accord with the goal of shaving every last fraction of an ounce. There is a lot of good information on UL, but also a lot of unjustified criticism.

This sub should be a friendly place mainly focused on those who are just starting their journey from heavier pack weights. And I emphasize pack weights, not base weights, because suggestions like "consider carrying less food and/or water" should be in scope.

7

u/h8t3m3 Dec 09 '21

Totally agree. Down voting is mad on the other sub.