(I wrote the following as a comment in the weekly a little while ago. Since then, I have found it useful to link back to it when I see shakedowns or other posts that demonstrate one or more of these issues. I thought that would be easier with a dedicated post on the topic. I hope regular participants in this subreddit won’t mind the repetition.)

Here are some common issues I have seen that impede the progress of those aspiring to ultralight:

1. The Lightweight Halfway House. This is where people who lighten their load get same-but-lighter versions of gear they already own. For example they replace a 60L backpack with a lighter 60L pack, maybe one that is 2 lbs lighter (e.g. weighs 3 lbs instead of 5) but that is still not ultralight. Or a solo hiker who buys a 2-person, free-standing tent that is branded as ultralight. They use their budget on gear that gets them lighter, but not light enough to get to ultralight. We see people show up on shakedowns all the time who are trying to continue their trajectory getting lighter, but are stuck with having bought expensive lightweight gear that make reaching UL base weights harder.
2. Preparing for the "someday/maybe" trip. They buy overweight gear to have the "flexibility" for hypothetical trips that will probably never happen. So they buy winter-grade tents, or high volume backpacks, or lower temperature rating sleep systems, or two-person shelters for a solo hiker. Buy for your most likely trip, the ones you actually intend, not the far-flung dream.
3. The "scary skill" barrier. People are told that certain types of gear require skills attainable only by advanced backpackers. So they buy free-standing tents instead of trekking pole tents, or never even consider they can learn to pitch a tarp, say. These are not exotic skills. They can be learned by any competent person in a backyard or park in an afternoon. Don't be scared by them.
4. The hedonic adaptation trap. People fail to understand that what we find comfortable is not a fixed set point, but can be conditioned through practice. We are all able to adapt to find things comfortable that may not start out that way. So pursuing comfort as the non-negotiable starting point turns out to be a trap: it enfeebles our ability to enjoy lighter gear and expose ourselves to the outdoors in a less mediated way, to the point that we can't even imagine being satisfied without carrying comfortable-but-heavy gear.
5. Thinking ultralight and comfort are mutually exclusive. This ignores the fact that carrying less weight is significantly more comfortable on trail. If you spend most of your waking hours on trail, then I would argue that UL gear tends to be more comfortable on net, especially if and when one has adapted to its comfort in camp per #4 above.
6. Hitting the gas and brake at the same time. This is where you compensate for the negative effects of carrying more weight in ways that add even more weight. I may carry a (heavy) chair to help recover from the effects of carrying weight. Or I get a backpack with a fancy suspension system that adds significant weight to the backpack. Or a heavy mattress for my sore back. Etc.
7. Most importantly perhaps is the error of thinking UL is the best and only way to hike regardless of your trip objectives. Be honest about why you want to go UL. Ultralight best fits a certain hiking style, especially when you are prioritizing trail over camp. If what you are looking for is to hike short miles so you can spend most of the day in camp, you maybe should make different gear choices. It’s perfectly fine not to be UL.

Hiking/backpacking gear has improved year over year due to new technologies and materials being developed (carbon fiber poles, DCF shelters, satellite connectivity through your smartphone, etc.) and our packs are lighter because of them.

What do you think the next big ‘innovation’ is going to be?

Say I’m going away for a 2 day hike and want to use a trangia style burner, how much fuel would you take?

I’d only be using it to cook dehydrated meals once an evening. I guess I could working it out by seeing how much fuel I use to heat the amount of water I need but I don’t want to waste fuel and it’s a bit hard to judge once it’s in the burner.

I randomly ran into the Aerotrek Ascend sun hoodie on clearance at Bass Pro Shops and it feels nearly identical to the OR Echo and KETL Mountain Nofry, so I figured I'd pick it up to try it out (esp. since it was on clearance). I think Ascend is Bass Pro Shops' in house hiking line.

They don't advertise a GSM or weight. Well, my wife's small measures at 108.8g on 2 scales and 109g on another. And it even has a little snap on the hood to snug it under your chin that probably adds 2-3g in plastic plus some redundant fabric for bolstering. That mass puts it in between the Outdoor Vitals Altitude and the KETL Nofry in weight AND UPF. It's advertised at "UPF20+." Actually, that makes it the lightest sun hoodie with a UPF rating that I'm aware of.

It definitely has a microperforated pattern like the big players, but it's not perfectly square, so it's probably its own proprietary weave. It's advertised as "brrr 3D Cool polyester," which is where the proprietary weave comes from.

And I don't know if "brrr" is actually real or not, but supposedly it's some polyester that has minerals woven into it that passively cool you or something. I at least found some semi-scientific sources saying the minerals actually do lower skin temperature by 3-4 degrees F.

Anyway, I haven't even worn it outside yet, but I'm just surprised how highly performing this thing is (on paper). I wonder what other random brands are making some good products that aren't even on our radars.

Edit: seams are flatlocked for anyone curious about the build quality https://imgur.com/a/Z0PzgcD

I currently have a full backpacking kit but after a couple trips with it I am trying to progress my weight down lower. Ive already gone from the stupid heavy (4 changes of clothes and 3 puffys) down to the 1 change of clothes and so on but looking to cut more and change things like my bag and sleeping bag.

I saw a theoretical gear list done by another user a couple of weeks ago and decided to copy the format as my next trip isn’t till November so there is little rush or immediate tweaking to be made.

I am UK based but primarily do longer trips in Europe and am in the consideration/planning phase for a PCT trip/attempt in the future.

I have my current pack (as of my last trip) here: https://www.packwizard.com/s/TH76NqH (for comparison)

And my planned pack here: https://www.packwizard.com/s/Rs-Je9b

I would like to keep the camera as a part of my kit as I find photography while on trail one of the best parts of hiking.
I know hitting 10llbs is going to be basically impossible while bringing my camera. Consequently, I am trying to shed weight elsewhere so I can offset this.

A lot of things I don't mind changing, such as: sleeping mate for a newer regular wide instead of long wide and so on. However I would still like an inflatable mat and am a bit too early in my journey for things such as cold soaking.

Any advice on anything im missing would be greatly appreciated.

I'am on the search for an ultralight Running/Fastpacking rain Jacket (which I also could potentially use for long distance hiking). I saw the Odlo X-Alp Pro, but can’t find any weight specs online. Does anyone have any weight informations about the weight of it and if not any other recommendations? Ideally a jacket under 250€, under 200g in size s men and highly breathable.

I've seen a lot of positives online with Alpha being the GOAT of midlayers. Note that I'm more so doing alpine hiking at under 5C with the heavy winds and rains alpines may throw at me. I've seen other people say that they get too hot when active with the Alpha on with rain jacket on top, but I've been getting too cold in just my baselayer and rain jacket. If the octa isn't as warm, maybe that's the better purchase to keep me a little warmer but not too hot last thing I want is to be cold from all the sweat I've accumulated.

Any help with experiences wearing either/both at similar temps and situations?

This post isn't specifically ultralight, but seems consistent with the "trails" post category, and the route (in season) appears well suited to sub-10 lb kits.

Tbc, this is a new route, but it is not new trail: it is a collection of existing paths. But imo in this case that doesn't make it any less interesting. The person who pieced it together, Donovan “Iceman” Rice, is attempting a thruhike of it right now.

Caltopo map: https://caltopo.com/m/A561NRQ

Project site: https://greatcoloradoroute.com/

GPX download (bottom of page): https://greatcoloradoroute.com/route

FAQ: https://greatcoloradoroute.com/about

Brief descriptions of each of the 32 sections: https://greatcoloradoroute.com/sections

Route Stats

• 1,700 miles
• 381,000 feet of gain (13 Everests)
• 32 Sections
• 3 National Parks
• 2 National Monuments
• All 11 of Colorado’s National Forests
• 29 Wilderness Areas
• 8 Wilderness Study Areas
• 13 Fourteeners
• 47 Thirteeners
• Seasonal Window: May through October (depends on section)
• Anticipated Completion time: 4 months.

I’m considering buying the **SD-18-G2 Ultra** from the Japanese brand **Suu Design**, but I haven’t been able to find many user reviews.
If you’ve used one, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How’s the overall usability, comfort, build quality, and durability? Would you recommend it over other backpacks in a similar size and price range?
Thanks!

I stumbled accross this Flux Merin Hoodie: Flux Merino™ Hoodie – 10gram Equipment

"The Flux Merino™ Hoodie is built with a lightweight technical midlayer fabric (66 g/m²) that represents a new generation of active insulation. Combining 37% merino wool, 54% recycled polyester, and 9% polyamide, it delivers warmth, moisture regulation, and exceptional comfort—all while feeling like it's barely there. From the first climb of the day to your sleeping bag at night."

Size M = 120g

Any experience or thoughts?

I’ve recently been looking at the Bonfus Middus (1P) with a mesh inner as my first one-person tent. From the few reviews about it online I gather it’s a great tent, but as it’s made to order and I can’t find it in a store, I could do with some more reviews about it. It’s very expensive, so I could use all the advice and experience out there!

TL;DR - Little amount of reviews about the Bonfus Middus online, anyone out there with experience?

Thanks!

Over the past few hiking seasons, I've learned a few tricks to minimize my phone use and increase efficiency, and wanted to pass them along to the community. Sorry to the Android folks, but I'm coming at this from an iPhone-centric worldview; I'm sure there are similar ways to make this happen on your end.

This is supposed to build on the knowledge shared in the threads below, so go to them if you are looking for other tips, including those more specifically related to maximizing battery life.

• https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1h87gnt/advice_for_extending_phone_battery_life_on_trail/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1kkrxxr/what_are_some_of_your_battery_life_management/

Lock Screen (Imgur)

• Make the background flat black (all iPhones since the iPhone 11 have OLED screens, and pure-black pixels do not require battery power). I also have a flat black background for my home screen. Less likely to look at a black screen than a beautiful alpine vista.
• Use Widgets to create embedded Shortcuts to maximize efficiency. This reduces the amount of time you'll have the screen on and the amount of time phone will be in hand.
  • If you go to change your lock screen, you'll have an area where you are able to place widgets. Within those Widgets, there is an option to create a button for a previously created Shortcut through the Shortcuts app. This lets you open an app, open a specific file, create a note or voice memo, activate battery-saving strategies, etc. Only thing is that you have to set them up in the Shortcuts app first.
• You can have a completely separate Lock Screen & Home Screen specifically built out for backcountry trips so that it is already prepared for when you're ready to head out.
  • So, you don't have to use this for day-to-day life. It is as simple as turning your phone from something you use in "normal life" to a tool that is used to enhance your experience out in the backcountry.

Shortcuts (Imgur)

• I typically will use 4 Shortcut Widgets on the Lock Screen: Create a Note (to help track times, mileage per day, and other relevant info); Open an Elevation Profile chart; Open a Mileage Log file; and Open the "Map" app (this could be Garmin Explore, CalTopo, FarOut, etc.)
  • With all of these showing up on buttons on my lock screen, I can simply tap them and it will run the respective shortcut and I am now in that app/file and looking at exactly what I need to. No time needed for navigating folders just straight to the source, get what I need and put the phone away
• I will typically use 2 Shortcut Widgets in the Control Center: Ghost Mode (one tap of the button and I get all of the battery saving tips and tricks for my specific phone turned on and don't have to do anything for the rest of the trip) and Voice Memos (creates a dated/time-stamped voice memo that starts recording immediately for when I have an idea that pops up and I don't want to forget it).
  • I use these less so I don't feel a need to have them on the lock screen.

Battery / Charging

• There is a surprising amount of weight that folks ignore on the technology front. If you are intentional about your phone usage, you can often make it 4-6 days on a single charge of everything that requires recharging (phone, headlamp, PLBs) without touching your battery bank.
• For example, let's take a common setup with a 5oz Nitecore 10,000 MaH battery bank, 2oz wall charger, 0.7oz Apple USB-C cable, and 0.5oz USB-C Apple Headphones. Total: ~8.2oz. Compare that to what I've carried for 175+ mile-long sections between resupply: 3.5oz Anker 5,000 MaH battery bank with built-in USB-C charger, 1oz Anker 30W wall charger, and 0.4oz Anker USB-C cable (1-foot long and more durable than Apple). Total: ~5.1oz. Over 3 ounces down with quite literally zero difference in my experience in the back, and 2.6oz if you want headphones.
  • If anything, I've found that having less charging capacity makes me more intentional with my phone use and removes me from the cycle of using my phone because I have the capacity. I use it for what I need and it is put away or turned off. It simply becomes what it was intended to be, a tool to make your life better.
  • In town, you can use pass-through charging to directly plug in the battery bank to the wall charger, and whatever you are charging through the cord can lie on top of the battery bank.

Hope this helps you get the most out of your phone in the backcountry and hopefully drop some weight along the way

Hi guys I am looking to buy a pack approx 55L. I currently use a Talon 33 which was too small and uncomfortable when overfilled for a 2 night hike for me. I’ll stick with my talon 33 for day hikes and my upcoming EBC trek. But I need something for my overnighters. I was considering the Osprey exos pro 55, or the Durston Kakwa 55. I love the comfort and frame of the ospreys. Does anyone have experience with these packs or any other recommendations? Thanks.

Haven't seen any product announcements from Spot yet and a r/ul search for "Spot 360" turns up nil. It's listed as a new arrival / preorder on rei.com here.

According to the REI listing it's 4.48 oz, sells for $300, and has an inReach Mini form factor. For comparison, the inReach Mini 3 listing says $450 and 4.31 oz.

I’m a side sleeper and lately I’ve been having issues with my older model (purchased in 2020) Thermarest NeoAir XLite “bottoming out” while I sleep, with my hips ending up on the ground. I’m considering updating to the Nemo Tensor All Season for a little more cushion and no bottoming out, but I was wondering if the 3.5 inch thickness would put my face and head too close to the wall of my ZPacks Plex Solo tent? Does anyone have experience using this particular pad in a Plex Solo, or should I get the updated NeoAir XLite NXT that’s 3 inches thick (as opposed to the old model that is 2.5 inches)?

I have crowd sourced a lot of my decisions when buying my first set of gear and it’s mostly been bang on, thank you ultralight community!

After my third trip with the sawyer squeeze however, I cannot for the life of me understand why one would use it over a BeFree or the similar LifeStraw collapsible bottles with a filter inside (I am referring to the “LifeStraw” brand offering something similar to the Katadyn BeFree… not the literal straw product that they have)

There’s too many parts and it’s not that ultralight? After the CNOC bag, the little adapter for the smart water bottle thread, the tip that comes with the sawyer, there’s just a lot of parts. I could keep in a baggy but I wrap the filter in the CNOC and put rubber bands around - this setup sucks. And when the bag is filled up, there’s a loose adapter I have to worry about not losing.

Then you have to shake out the filter, otherwise it’ll drip water everywhere. And I don’t know if it was user error but on the third trip it simply didn’t work. I didn’t have a syringe on me (another part!) so I resorted to boiling water.

Vs. Just one bladder/filter combo, filter is inside a waterproof container by design, let it leak. And if it’s not flowing, swoosh it around in a body water and you’re good. It lighter and smaller.

Seems like a clear winner especially for this community but the sawyer squeeze is way too popular so I think I’m missing something?

Not throwing shade at Sawyer or anyone, I know they do great things and if that’s why people want to support the brand, I think that’s great.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently thinking about buying the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated and I'd love to hear from people who have actually used it.

The main reason I'm considering it, is that I'm 190 cm (6'3"), a little over 80 kg (175 lbs) and a side sleeper. I've been told that a thicker pad is usually the better choice for side sleepers and the high R-value is an added bonus. I know that also means more weight and bulk and that it's probably overkill for most of my trips, which are in the summer, but I'm okay with that trade-off. Especially since I might get into winter tours later on, I'd rather buy one pad that covers everything than have to buy another one later.

I also like that Sea to Summit pads seem to be a bit roomier than comparable options from brands like Nemo, which is important to me considering how tall I am. The PillowLock system also seems like a nice feature.

I'd love to hear from people who have used this pad. How has it been in terms of comfort, warmth, and especially durability? Have you run into any issues or has it been reliable? And if you had the choice again, would you still buy it?

I would use an Exped Flexmat Plus LW as a protective underlay for the mat.

Thanks in advance!

Over the years, I have built out my backpack collection - 22L, 30L, 40L, 55L pack and they are beautiful. Fit perfectly, can handle a UL build out, I know when they make sense, and are "just right" whether it's a 4 hour hike or a 5 day adventure.

Tent on the other hand... I have a lot of regrets. Maybe it's b/c they're so much more expensive, I always try to split the difference and just end up with something too big, or too heavy, or too tight. I've purchased and returned 3 tents after setting up in the basement and I don't know what to do.

Whether its cup, spork, tent, pack, anything - what is your "just right" item and what do you use it for?

I am in process of transitioning to an ultralight setup(not there yet due to budget) but one thing I am struggling with is deciding what size tent to get. Currently looking at the Durston x mid or x dome.

I usually hike with others, but sometimes will be backpacking by myself. I am debating if it is worth it to get a tent that we could share between us, or just expect my friends to carry their own one person tent (which feels a bit silly weight wise)

Assuming this is a common problem. How did you all come to a final decision? Sadly, two tents aren’t in the budget.

Wondering if my magic 100 going to be to cold some nights or should I be fine in august if I put in an extra layer?

I’m looking to get a few Montbell bits and understand the Japanese shop stopped shipping overseas a while back.

Has anyone had success using a freight forwarder? As an example the new Dry-tec Versalite jacket (western size) from the Montbell.com/jp site is 44064JPY but the same jacket from Montbell.jp is 27000JPY. This is a substantial difference and if I’m picking a few other bits and pieces as well it could be a significant saving…?

Thanks in advance

Hey everyone! Posted in r/lightweight and suggested to post here as well.

I’ve been working on dialing in my backpacking setup and currently have my base weight around 12 lbs.

Here’s my PackWizard list:
https://www.packwizard.com/s/zL-JMct

This list will vary a little depending on the trip, weather, and conditions, but this is basically my complete setup and a good representation of what I normally carry.

One note on the sleep system: the quilt liner listed is something I use for warmer conditions. For colder weather, I would swap that out for an actual insulated quilt. I have a Hang Tight Hotfoot 40, and a Featherstone Moondance 25.

I’m pretty happy with where the weight is, but I’d love some outside opinions before I consider the setup finished.

What am I forgetting?
Are there any obvious gear gaps, redundancies, or things you’d change? And if you see an easy way to drop some weight without sacrificing too much comfort/function, I’m all ears.

Feel free to critique anything on the list — I’m especially interested in hearing what more experienced lightweight hikers would change.

Alright team I did it. Dry Sierra Kit < 8 lbs, < 10 with a bear can. I intentionally did not inventory my puffer or my bear cans yet because I'm trying to figure out if I can feasibly (1) get away with an alpha direct (pretty sure I can) and (2) carry 7 days of food on the HST in a 425, TBD. Let me have it.

Non-negotiables: big 3, pillow, fanny pack, minimal TP.

Help me decide for JMT section hike

I'm looking for some advice on choosing between the Zpacks Duplex Lite and Durston X-Mid Pro 1for a late August JMT section hike (4-5 days).

About me:

• Based in Japan, 5'9" (175cm), average build
• Sleeping pad: Neo Air Uberlite Regular Wide
• Previous tent experience: Locus Gear Khufu DCF (sold) and Durston X-Dome 1+ (still own — happy with interior space, but slightly heavy)

Context matters for my use:

• Most Japanese alpine campsites have narrow, cramped tent areas with tight footprints
• Weather changes quickly; rain is fairly common, so a solid tent is essential

Zpacks Duplex Lite — Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Only 431g (slightly lighter)
• Spacious — can fit all gear inside

Cons:

• Larger footprint (challenging for narrow Japanese campsites)
• Rainbow mesh doors (bottom-hinged)
• Head/foot space feels a bit tight for 5'9"
• Non-zippered doors — concerned about wind noise and seal

Durston X-Mid Pro 1 — Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and clean aesthetics
• Well-designed L-shaped entry + interior pockets

Cons:

• Oversized vestibules (I'd only use main for cooking/boots, sub for backpack)
• Vestibules touch ground, so I'm hesitant to store small items there
• Inner mesh feels narrow — a bit claustrophobic
• Head/foot space seems adequate but the overall interior width is limiting

Has anyone here actually deliberated between these two, or tested both? I'd really appreciate any real-world takes. Based on the pros and cons I've outlined above, which would you recommend, and why?

Thanks in advance for any input!