Any ultralight backpackers?

[Kat013]

I'm in the process of lightening my load as much as possible - I weigh about 120 lbs, so I don't have much choice in the matter. You won't catch me out there without a fixed blade, though. I may leave the leatherman behind - there are scissors in my first aid kit, and I carry a folding saw. I like having pliers, but I'm not sure half a pound is worth it just for that. My headlamp has a thumbscrew, no need for the screwdriver.

I do things like ditching the mess kit, and cooking and eating with one pot and one spoon. Finding little containers for things like insect repellent and iodine (disinfectant and backup water treatment) was a challenge, as the smallest bottle sold for the purpose is a fluid ounce (and they leak, as they have those hinged dropper tips). Visine sells their eye drops in 0.5 oz bottles, and have a travel size of 0.28 oz. And they don't leak.

I ditched my nalgene bottle - it weighs half a pound! For something that holds a liter of water, that's insane. Plastic soda bottles work fine and are featherweight.

I stopped carrying a 2-person tent on solo trips. Big difference, that.

 

[frediver]

It seems to me that over the past 30 years backpacking gear has developed into two extremes called Bombproof and ultralight. Both extremes are bad for the overall health of the sport.
If you remember the canvas days, nylon was incorporated into backpacking in order to save weight and add strength. I give the industry about another 10 years and it will be full circle.

 

[Hog Feet]

It seems to me that over the past 30 years backpacking gear has developed into two extremes called Bombproof and ultralight. Both extremes are bad for the overall health of the sport.
If you remember the canvas days, nylon was incorporated into backpacking in order to save weight and add strength. I give the industry about another 10 years and it will be full circle.

My experiences have taught me to take a little from both schools of backpacking.

I always have at least one good 4-5 inch fixed blade, a SAK Trekker, a small PSK with a few fire starters and signaling devices (phone, mirror, whistle), small first aid kit, one change of clothes, ultralight Sil-poncho/tarp, Snugpack Jungle bag, sunscreen, insect repellant/ netting, water purifyer, 1L nalgene bottle with water, 2 quart titanium pot and spork, and a days worth of food.

I can get by with this stuff in a small day pack for quite some time (over one week solo in the everglades). Being comfortable is something I have become fond of as I get older. Now I bring things for family and friends who are not as experienced (yet) in the wilderness.

One item I will never skimp on, as far as bombproofness, is my packs. I have been on many trips and only had major pack problems twice. Both times I was more than inconvenienced. Once my pack got ripped open from a branch as I fell. My pack contents kept falling out until I put everthing into my sleeping bag and tied it to my cheap external frame.
The second bad pack problem was when my strap broke and I didn't have anything to fix it with (now I also carry fishing line, needles, and paracord).

I use Kifaru packs now because they are the most bombproof packs I have seen. They weigh a bit more than the average pack but seem to carry more weight with less discomfort than other packs I have tried.

 

[DaleW]

It seems to me that over the past 30 years backpacking gear has developed into two extremes called Bombproof and ultralight. Both extremes are bad for the overall health of the sport.
If you remember the canvas days, nylon was incorporated into backpacking in order to save weight and add strength. I give the industry about another 10 years and it will be full circle.

I don't want my Trapper Nelson pack and 5 pound boots back, no-sir-ree!