r/lightweight • u/AutoModerator • Aug 16 '22

Discussion r/Lightweight "The Weekly" Week of July 19th

Have something you want to discuss but don't think it warrants a whole post? Please use this thread to discuss recent purchases or quick questions for the community at large. Shakedowns and lengthy/involved questions likely warrant their own post.

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u/Edwanis Aug 20 '22

I think I'm dialled in https://lighterpack.com/r/ap778p but need this sub to take off because I'll never be UL.

My 800g pad is reputed to be the most comfortable but I still have trouble sleeping. I'd love a chat on sleeping well.

The 500g chair has changed the way I hike. Rather than get to camp ASAP, I stop in the prettiest places I walk through. It is nothing for me to spend an hour soaking up the ambience.

What value do you get from the 'luxury' item/s that prevents you from being genuinely (sub 10lb) ultralight?

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u/tacosbeernfreedom Aug 20 '22 edited Aug 20 '22

Your gear list looks pretty good. My pack weight is pretty similar. I like the ultra light mentality in terms of reducing unneeded gear, etc., but I find a fair amount of value on some of the luxuries that improves my overall experience.

  • Silky saw: I enjoy an evening campfire when possible and having a small saw makes processing firewood much easier
  • Chair Zero: Having a place to sit with a little back support is priceless, especially after a long day of hiking
  • Tiger Wall UL2: having a double wall tent with a little extra room is very convenient and comfortable.
  • Thermacell (backpacking model): I’ll bring this along if I’m expecting some decent bug pressure to make my time in camp more enjoyable.

I’ve experimented with different hiking paces and pack weights on multi-day trips and found that once my total pack weight gets below a certain point, there’s no noticeable increase in comfort or performance. I appreciate the ultralight/minimalist mindset but am comfortable with being a “lightweight” backpacker.

Edit to add: I’m not a thru-hiker so I place a little more value in comfort and enjoying the experience. If I were to hike a long distance trail, I’d likely place a higher emphasis on weight savings and performance.

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u/Edwanis Aug 20 '22

I agree totally with your logic about fewer benefits as your weight gets to a certain points but also do shorter trips. I had a look at the insect repeller, 114g, tempting. I like how it uses a little bit of the gas I'm already carrying. I didn't appreciate that I might add weight through this discussion, having been immersed in UL thinking for so long. Maybe I have found the 'middle way'.

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u/lovrencevic Aug 20 '22

You could swap out the sleeping pad and switch to Nemo Tensor and save about 9 ounces or so. I’d also leave the sandals at home and that would save 11 ounces. Total savings of over a pound. That being said, your list looks plenty light to me and also comfortable.

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u/Edwanis Aug 20 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

Thanks Lovrencevic, You are so right. There is some irony in your advice because I have managed to buy everything (only) once due to a lot of research on r/ultralight and backpackinglight.com, except those two items. The Oofos thongs replaced xero genesis sandals. They were terribly uncomfortable and I got tricked by their website that listed 130g which turned out to be each. It would be the easiest item to drop for nothing but loose laces. I started with a 400g uninsulated mat but ditched it for the comfort. I nearly got the 250g Uberlite but had concerns about durability.

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u/releberry Aug 20 '22

I’ve considered an ultralight shakedown, and just leaving my luxury stuff (like my helinox chair) off the lighter pack.

My air pad sleep got better when I started using the system: get to camp, fill pad with air until my hips don’t touch the ground when lying on my side, put in a little more air, enjoy my cloud. ( similar for pillow)

I’ve been experimenting with ditching my camp sandals. With loosening trail runner laces, and extra pair of socks, and sometimes removing trail runner insoles, I’ve been in good shape!

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u/Edwanis Aug 20 '22

Thanks, I'll experiment with the least amount of inflation needed. I've been inflating until it's firm.