A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.
Forum rules
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.
Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg
by Kitzy » Sat 09 Nov, 2019 8:41 am
A couple of years ago I got my base weight down to 5kg for three season walks. Since then I have added some items back in that I find 'Nice" to haves such as a Journal, Sketch book, selection of pencils, some Sailor Jerry Rum and depending on the trip some field guides.
I'm just wondering what other people who have gone lightweight have decided to add back into their pack and by default their weight. What's important enough to you to carry the weight of?
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Kitzy
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by Mark F » Sat 09 Nov, 2019 8:55 am
It seems pretty normal to add back a few items once you get to minimum base weight. I got my base weight to about 4kg and have now added back a full length, wide mat rather than a short neoair (+300g) and a blow up pillow (+50g). On easier trips a Chair Zero (+520g) and a small monocular for watching wildlife (+45g). The one thing I have managed to pare down a bit more is food where I used to work on 700-750g per day and now manage happily on 600-650g.
"Perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove".
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Mark F
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by Petew » Sat 09 Nov, 2019 10:25 am
Chair zero for me too.
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Petew
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by Orion » Sun 10 Nov, 2019 12:55 am
A stove.
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Orion
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by QueenLucyVanPelt » Mon 11 Nov, 2019 9:33 pm
Interesting question! I added back in 3 section pieces of a thermarest zlite or a piece of tyvek sheet for a sit pad/chill out sesh.
PCT SOBO '17, PCT SOBO Washington '19, Uinta Highline, GC R2R2R
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QueenLucyVanPelt
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