The purpose of this post is to maybe demonstrate to beginners that ultralight gear is not better gear and to consider what you actually need in a piece of gear as being more important than what it weighs.
....... You are much better off with a heavier set of gear that works and is durable and warm and dry, than by meeting any body else's weight considerations.
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The purpose of this post is to maybe demonstrate to beginners that ultralight gear is not better gear and to consider what you actually need in a piece of gear as being more important than what it weighs.
Hopefully I didn't quote you out of context.
But, I am going to.......AGREE with you. But, you actually might not like me doing so.
I have a lot of gear that I carry that the ultralight crowd wouldn't even consider, or think it too heavy. Some of it is that I am somewhat of a luddite.
According to ultralight mantra, you don't need a big knife, and can get away with a small razor blade. I always carry my multitool AND a fixed blade, usually a Mora. I also always have something to sharpen it with. My reasoning is that I want something that works and is durable. That is also why my knife is sharp, it needs to work. I also carry EMT shears. So, I generally have 3 items that can cut.
According to ultralight mantra, carry light weight water bottles. I always have 2 gatoraide bottles, and no nalgene, but I also like to take my stainless steel bottle as well. I can boil water in it, and it is very durable. Sometimes I take a small aluminum .7 liter pot, and sometimes I just take my SS bottle.
According to ultralight mantra, Down is the best insulator, and synthetic compressible batting is the second best for outerwear. And in the winter, you need a down parka and down bibs. Sorry, but I think I am better off picking clothes that are heavier that work and are warm and dry. I like to layer in fleece and wool. I always like to have a wool outer layer. The wool has good properties when it gets wet, and it doesn't melt when I get a spark from the fire on it. Ultralights don't like fleece because it is too heavy. My wool jackets are much heavier than fleece. In winter I wear a wool jacket that I made from a wool blanket. It blocks the wind and breathes wonderfully. In summer I have a lighter wool sweater (US airforce I bought at thrift store). Because I can't wear wool next to skin, I always have a 100 weight fleece that goes under. In winter, I wear a couple of fleeces under the wool.
Anyways, Jim, I find your rant humorous. All your gear is ultralight, and now you want to tell beginners that ultralight gear is not better. Your 4 season 8 lb tent is ultralight. Your down everything is ultralight. Your backpack is superultralight. Your 16 pound pack with durable gear is ultralight.
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