If you're going ultralight you might save ounces by modifying these factors:
- Toilet paper on your packing list
- Carrying a filter on the AT (not really necessary)
- Underwear in your pack list
- Deodorant is in your pack list
- All your gear is from one manufacturer
- You're carrying a canister or white gas stove (though I recognize both of these stove types have their advantages in certain situations, I concede that)
- Toothpaste in your pack list (Dr. Bronners works for hand soap, dish soap, and toothpaste)
- Carrying a water bladder system (arguably worth their weight when carrying huge quantities of water over long distances I.E. desert southwest, I concede)
- Carrying a dedicated pillow
- Using a sleeping bag instead of a quilt
I recognize that there are exceptions to all of these. Too many times I've seen self proclaimed ultralight hikers make many of these gear choices when a lighter alternative is close at hand. Even if you can get your weight down and still carry some or all of these things... ditch them and you'll be much further ahead on your road to lightweight packing. If you're going to step thru the door of ultralight then go the whole measure. No half measures.
I, personally, find that price point tends to be a limiting factor for gear choices so I can completely empathize with the price per ounce of weight consideration.
Of course there's no black and white and everyone has their own system. We all fall somewhere on this spectrum. Hike your own hike for sure but I just wanted to list a few ultralight gear choices that might save a gram counter a little weight.
Finally I'd like to thank those of you who pointed out the issues with this post and encouraged me to amend them.
Stay comfortable, have fun, and count those ounces.