Do I really need a XXXX?

[ScottP]

Do you need it to:
1. be warm while you hike
2. be warm while you sleep
3. be dry while you sleep
4. eat & drink
5. walk
5. carry the things needed to fulfill 1-5


If the answer isn't 'yes' to one of the above then you don't need it. It takes a lot to kill you.

Whether or not you want it is an entirely different question.

[RWheeler]

You have two 5s, that's unnecessary grams. :-P

But that's a good process to go through when considering what goes in your pack. I'd go as far as to add another point, though, suggesting a very strong boost to morale. And maybe modify "walk" to "walk on trail/accurately", so you can include maps/guidebooks/etc.

[sbhikes]

I'd change the word "warm" to the words "warm, safe and dry" or maybe just to the word "comfortable" since sometimes you have to worry about excessive heat or sun.

[Spokes]

You have two 5s, that's unnecessary grams. :-P.....

Apparently you need 2-fives. I'm making a note of that. Thanks!

[QiWiz]

Suffering builds character. The less you carry, the more of a character you become. Speaking from personal experience, of course . . .

[ChinMusic]

Suffering builds character. The less you carry, the more of a character you become.

Stealing it

[kayak karl]

if you say "no" to all, you then,
1. hike cold to a spot
2. sleep cold
3. in a puddle
4. thirsty and hunger
5. and you just stay there
5. because you forgot your pack?

[rocketsocks]

Do you need it to:
1. be warm while you hike
2. be warm while you sleep
3. be dry while you sleep
4. eat & drink
5. walk
5. carry the things needed to fulfill 1-5


If the answer isn't 'yes' to one of the above then you don't need it. It takes a lot to kill you.

Whether or not you want it is an entirely different question.

I like these little(big)anecdotal thinking,good job +1 keep em coming

[moytoy]

Do you need it to:
1. be warm while you hike
2. be warm while you sleep
3. be dry while you sleep
4. eat & drink
5. walk
5. carry the things needed to fulfill 1-5


If the answer isn't 'yes' to one of the above then you don't need it. It takes a lot to kill you.

Whether or not you want it is an entirely different question.

Sounds like a concentration camp to me!

[Franco]

You don't need to eat every day. So why do you ?
You don't need a roof over your head , homeless people don't have one, so why do you ?
You don't need to bathe/shower every day (week ,month ?) so why do you ?
You don't need to enjoy life nor remain alive more than two or three decades either...
Me ? well I just try to have some fun, so the above does not apply...
Franco

[ScottS]

OP is right.
If something isn't helping you eat, sleep or hike, it's not necessary.
Want and need are completely different. Ultralight is need-based.

[Franco]

True that.
Indirectly I was pointing out why some,( me) , are not into UltraLight.
I wish there was a Light and Comfy forum section for people like me...
Franco

[kayak karl]

now it makes sense. I missed a word somewhere.
do you UL people ever plan for something to go wrong or break? just asking.

[UHFox]

do you UL people ever plan for something to go wrong or break? just asking.

Just make sure duct tape is in your pack.

[RWheeler]

True that.
Indirectly I was pointing out why some,( me) , are not into UltraLight.
I wish there was a Light and Comfy forum section for people like me...
Franco

I'd consider myself in that category. Yeah, I carry a light pack, but I do value comfort beyond a bare need for it. I'll probably never be UL because of that, but I don't care. I've been able to shave like 15lbs off my base weight and actually increase my comfort and general attitude towards my gear.

[Kookork]

It is hiking not survival. Do you really want to have fun? If the answer is yes you might need all of them. Without them you might survive but enjoy? I don't think so.

[ChinMusic]

Do I really need a XXXX?

If my opponent has finished with a 239 and I'm sitting at 180 in the 8th.......why yes, yes I do.

[Tuckahoe64]

I love it when someone is worried about the needs of someone else and what that person may carry, rather than worrying about their own needs.

[RWheeler]

If my opponent has finished with a 239 and I'm sitting at 180 in the 8th.......why yes, yes I do.

Now I want to go to the alley.

[Whiskey]

My moto:

As comfortable as possible, as light as I can afford. Both of these will likely keep me stuck in the mere Lightweights forever.

I understand the UL and SUL mindsets. I enjoy a good challenge just to see if I can accomplish my goal too. I also understand diminishing returns.