sacrifice in the name of UL

[coach lou]

I agree with those who say they are more comfortable overall because they have gone ultralight. There's no question about it.

But in the spirit of the original question, one of the few sacrifices (other than money) has been the larger knife that I used to carry. I've switched to the Leatherman Style which is a great little ultralight knife, and provides everything that I "need", but falls short of what a larger knife can do. Anotherl thing is durability. Ultralight materials are expensive and some don't last as long as their heavier counterparts and need to be handled more carefully. The final thing I've sacrificed is my can of Dinty Moore Stew (yes, I used to carry a can as my one comfort meal for multi-day hikes).

In the end, those are very small sacrifices and I look back and wonder why I didn't cast them off sooner. I'll never go back to a heavy pack.

When we were young Scouts, that was our backpacking meal...Pop-Tarts, space food sticks, and as many cans as we cared to carry of Dinty Moores! We would just open the can and stick it in the fire.....Yummmmmmmmy!

[STICK]

For me, nothing.

I am more comfortable with my "UL" gear than I was with my other more traditional gear.

I have a base pack weight of just under 10 lbs which will keep me comfortable down to 10 F which is all I need for here in the Southeast. And when I say comfortable I mean it. I have 2 sleeping pads, extra sleep clothes, a pillow, a stove with extra fuel, a nice warm sleeping bag, a fully enclosed shelter that protects me from rain and bugs, trekking poles, hats, gloves, a cook pot and a coffee cup, a long handle spoon to eat with, a cozy to rehydrate my meals in, a pack liner and a pack cover, a notepad and pencil, etc.... it goes on and on...I have it all as far as I am concerned... For a complete gear list, check it out here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...hMmtxY2c#gid=0

So, not only am I super comfy on the tail with a 17 lb total pack weight, but when I get into camp I am still comfortable.

Oh yeah, and my down has pockets. I refused to get a down jacket without them. However, my AGG rain shell does not. But, with all the top layers I have (5 total) then I hardly ever use my rain jacket except for while actually hiking in the rain. And obviously when hiking I do not need hand pockets. Also, if I ever do need to put my rain shell over all of my other layers, it is still very easy to access my down jackets hand pockets by simply going under the rain jacket. I also have pockets on my pants...front, back and cargo...

[rocketsocks]

For me, nothing.

I am more comfortable with my "UL" gear than I was with my other more traditional gear.

I have a base pack weight of just under 10 lbs which will keep me comfortable down to 10 F which is all I need for here in the Southeast. And when I say comfortable I mean it. I have 2 sleeping pads, extra sleep clothes, a pillow, a stove with extra fuel, a nice warm sleeping bag, a fully enclosed shelter that protects me from rain and bugs, trekking poles, hats, gloves, a cook pot and a coffee cup, a long handle spoon to eat with, a cozy to rehydrate my meals in, a pack liner and a pack cover, a notepad and pencil, etc.... it goes on and on...I have it all as far as I am concerned... For a complete gear list, check it out here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...hMmtxY2c#gid=0

So, not only am I super comfy on the tail with a 17 lb total pack weight, but when I get into camp I am still comfortable.

Oh yeah, and my down has pockets. I refused to get a down jacket without them. However, my AGG rain shell does not. But, with all the top layers I have (5 total) then I hardly ever use my rain jacket except for while actually hiking in the rain. And obviously when hiking I do not need hand pockets. Also, if I ever do need to put my rain shell over all of my other layers, it is still very easy to access my down jackets hand pockets by simply going under the rain jacket. I also have pockets on my pants...front, back and cargo...

WOW, that truly is an impressive gear list,only a couple a few things could be changed;put your handle back on your tooth brush,get rid of the rock bag,use tent stake sack instead,and get yourself a full sized note pad....you've earned it.

[BrianLe]

I really like Garlic's take here, i.e., "If it doesn't make things better overall, don't do it."

It's kind of tough for me to think of things like this even in the spirit of the original question. After you've adapted to some changes you don't really think of "what you're missing" (or at least hopefully not). I only notice such things when hiking with friends who are doing something another way.

All that said, I'm not an ultralight hiker; about the closest I get is in the low teens during something like 3 to 4 core "most favorable" backpacking months.

[heavyfoot]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...hMmtxY2c#gid=0

So, not only am I super comfy on the tail with a 17 lb total pack weight, but when I get into camp I am still comfortable.

A Marmot Helium would only keep me warm enough in the middle of summer (I used to have one as a summer bag). Those of us who sleep cold are definitely at a disadvantage when it comes to UL gear.

[Tipi Walter]

This reminds me of the hiker I met on the AT who found out I hiked without a stove, and she asked, "So what else do you give up?" I was confused by the question. I choose to hike without a stove, or pockets, or a knife, because it makes my hike better, not worse. If it doesn't make things better overall, don't do it.

I do realize that the design of any gear is a compromise--weight for features is a big one, ventilation for weatherproofing is another, etc.

Have to agree on pockets. I did not even have pockets in my pants or shorts, only one shirt pocket in hiking shirt. I used a belt pouch to carry essentials around shelter areas/camp or town whenever I did not have my pack with me. Essentials=money, ID, iPhone, headlamp, lighter, etc.

Pockets? Altogether my pockets probably come to around 40 grams. Is this a burden? If I take out all my pockets, I still have 20 days of food and 35 ozs of fuel. A winter baseweight of 10 lbs (good luck) with 20 days of food and you've got a 55 lb pack. At least the pockets are gone.

[louisb]

My cast iron Dutch oven.

--Louis

[Nutbrown]

I have to agree with Tipi. There are good reasons to have pockets on your clothes... if just for a few survival items. I think the weight saved is a little silly. ....but that's just me, and I'm only a budding gram weenie

[STICK]

A Marmot Helium would only keep me warm enough in the middle of summer (I used to have one as a summer bag). Those of us who sleep cold are definitely at a disadvantage when it comes to UL gear.

Yep, I know that we all hike differently. Even in the same area we hike different, but especially so for those of us in completely different areas. I am in the Southeast, and my Helium has kept me warm to 10 F, granted with the use of some of my clothes too. I have successfully slept comfortable at 17 F while simply sleeping under the stars cowboy style. The time that I went to 10 F I was inside a shelter. There have been quite a few other times that I have been in the mid teens in my Helium and have been fine whether it was in a tent, under a tarp, or just the sky itself so I know that this system will work for me.

Rocketsocks, thanks. I actually like my toothbrush though...I was excited when I took my dremel to it and it works well for me. Really though, more than the weight savings, it is just easier for me to store this way. It is not that short, but it is not full length... The same with my Notebook. I saved a lot of weight off of that notebook. I have a write up on hacking it down, but there is plenty of room for me in that book. It is a bigger pad (4-3/4" x 7" - not one of those dainty pads) and I have 10 sheets inside it. So far it has actually been more than what I need on my trips.

That is a good recommendation on the tent stuff sack for a rock sack and I think I will implement that! Thanks. (Sometimes it just takes another pair of eyes huh?)

Anyway, my summer set-up (again, for me here in the southeast) has all of the same comfort features that I need and want but weighs in at 5.5 lbs. You can check it out here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aqh886ycFM9kdFpXSzlTY3F2MVE4V2dqNDNQZy0tY 1E#gid=0

[coach lou]

Pockets? Altogether my pockets probably come to around 40 grams. Is this a burden? If I take out all my pockets, I still have 20 days of food and 35 ozs of fuel. A winter baseweight of 10 lbs (good luck) with 20 days of food and you've got a 55 lb pack. At least the pockets are gone.

Tipi.......can you even spell UL?!?!?! HA

[Tipi Walter]

Tipi.......can you even spell UL?!?!?! HA

Yes, it's u-l-t-r-a-l-o-a-d.

[coach lou]

Yes, it's u-l-t-r-a-l-o-a-d.

TW being the MOD of that forum!

[ScottP]

Yep, I know that we all hike differently. Even in the same area we hike different, but especially so for those of us in completely different areas. I am in the Southeast, and my Helium has kept me warm to 10 F, granted with the use of some of my clothes too. I have successfully slept comfortable at 17 F while simply sleeping under the stars cowboy style. The time that I went to 10 F I was inside a shelter. There have been quite a few other times that I have been in the mid teens in my Helium and have been fine whether it was in a tent, under a tarp, or just the sky itself so I know that this system will work for me.

Rocketsocks, thanks. I actually like my toothbrush though...I was excited when I took my dremel to it and it works well for me. Really though, more than the weight savings, it is just easier for me to store this way. It is not that short, but it is not full length... The same with my Notebook. I saved a lot of weight off of that notebook. I have a write up on hacking it down, but there is plenty of room for me in that book. It is a bigger pad (4-3/4" x 7" - not one of those dainty pads) and I have 10 sheets inside it. So far it has actually been more than what I need on my trips.

That is a good recommendation on the tent stuff sack for a rock sack and I think I will implement that! Thanks. (Sometimes it just takes another pair of eyes huh?)

Anyway, my summer set-up (again, for me here in the southeast) has all of the same comfort features that I need and want but weighs in at 5.5 lbs. You can check it out here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aqh886ycFM9kdFpXSzlTY3F2MVE4V2dqNDNQZy0tY 1E#gid=0

You aren't prepared for a rabid-goat attack.

UNSAFE!@!!! CARRY MOAR!!

[timmy_toes]

Where are we carrying 20 days worth of food cause im in!

[Tinker]

I hope you did your sacrifice the UL god properly, burning your pockets and tags and loose threads on a UL altar made of pumice.

Don't forget to trim the laces on your boots - er, shoes - er, low top hikers - er, trail runners - er, low profile trail runners - er, Vibram Five Fingers - oh, what the heck - might as well go barefoot. (It's been done before).

[Deadeye]

This year I am going with a diy pack that weighs 12oz. I think I will miss my osprey and the frame that keeps it off my back, but being 3 lbs lighter, maybe I won't care.

I bet you will! That's where I've drawn the line - I like a pack that will stand up when I'm loading it, not a stuff sack with straps. YMMV of course. Everything else I've cut weight with has just been a refinement of the gear I use to have - a 2 pound bag instead of 5, a 2 pound tent (or hammock) instead of 5 pounds. a 3 ounce primus stove instead of a one pound Svea, etc. It all adds up fast.

[DawnTreader]

Tipi stole my thunder....all I could say while reading this thread start to finish was..."pockets?". Really??? We are getting rid of our pockets now?? What's this world coming to when pockets are to heavy to carry on a walk...

[BrianLe]

"What's this world coming to when pockets are to heavy to carry on a walk... "

For me, at least, it's not about the pockets per se, just that the particular warmth and shell layers I've used most recently were built to a pretty tight weight budget, and pockets were part of what was sacrificed on both. To put it another way, I didn't go out looking for no-pocket clothing, nor did I cut off pockets on existing gear, but OTOH I really don't miss the pockets on these really nice and very light weight clothing items.

The pockets "missing" in both cases are the ones just above the waist. If I really want to put my hands in my pockets, I'll put them in my pants pockets instead. If I want to stick something in a pocket, I typically wear a hiking shirt with pockets, my cargo pants have several, and the shell jacket does have a small vertical zippered pocket. It's enough.

[rocketsocks]

Yep, I know that we all hike differently. Even in the same area we hike different, but especially so for those of us in completely different areas. I am in the Southeast, and my Helium has kept me warm to 10 F, granted with the use of some of my clothes too. I have successfully slept comfortable at 17 F while simply sleeping under the stars cowboy style. The time that I went to 10 F I was inside a shelter. There have been quite a few other times that I have been in the mid teens in my Helium and have been fine whether it was in a tent, under a tarp, or just the sky itself so I know that this system will work for me.

Rocketsocks, thanks. I actually like my toothbrush though...I was excited when I took my dremel to it and it works well for me. Really though, more than the weight savings, it is just easier for me to store this way. It is not that short, but it is not full length... The same with my Notebook. I saved a lot of weight off of that notebook. I have a write up on hacking it down, but there is plenty of room for me in that book. It is a bigger pad (4-3/4" x 7" - not one of those dainty pads) and I have 10 sheets inside it. So far it has actually been more than what I need on my trips.

That is a good recommendation on the tent stuff sack for a rock sack and I think I will implement that! Thanks. (Sometimes it just takes another pair of eyes huh?)

Anyway, my summer set-up (again, for me here in the southeast) has all of the same comfort features that I need and want but weighs in at 5.5 lbs. You can check it out here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...QZy0tY1E#gid=0

Truth be told,I stole that (tent stake rock bag thing)from,I think Garlic maybe,but then everyone stole from Areosmith,right?But ya know it feels good to be right every 75 posts or so.I mean even a broke o'clock is right(2x/day)So thank you.And by the way I use my Sock for a Rock bag,get it,"Rockit Sock",Now that one thier's mine.......It came ta me in a dream.

[RedBeerd]

Ive given up a nice cozy sleeping pad for a foam pad. Saved me a pound though. As far as a pillow I use the flexair inflatable one..weighs like sub 2oz..i cant use clothes cause they smell too bad. PU