The Thin Red Line

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

I was reading a backpacking article online and the author considered himself to be a lightweight hiker, but not an ultralite hiker. Where is the line between light and ultralite? Is there a line? Is it more of a zone? Just curious to see different people's opinions on the matter.
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Daryl · Posted: 7/12/2004, 8:17 am Post subject:

When you are ultra light, you either leave the tooth brush at home, or you share one with someone else.
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Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

What category is for leaving the sleeping bag and bringing in the 12 pack? Beer

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Ultralight... pffffft!...

Whatever!

'Lightweight' is a good description... eh MP? Chuckle

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

Ultralight is when you dehydrate the WetOnes before the hike... Yep, I've hiked with someone who did this...

I don't think I'd fit into this category at all.... Rolling Eyes

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

around 20 pounds is lightweight.
under 15 is considered by many "ultralight"
ultralight is the way to go, if youve got the cash
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evenstar · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 5548 Location: SCW by way of CA

Think it also has to do with the size of the hiker.
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fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Daryl · Posted: 7/12/2004, 4:27 pm Post subject:

I think it's kind of funny how people will spend hundreds on a tent that is 8oz lighter when they have 10 pounds of chub they could drop for free.
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Arizonaheat · Posted: 7/12/2004, 4:53 pm Post subject:

, Daryl, that is so true

There are times I would like to be lightweight, but am just thankful I'm physically capable of carrying a full load. Besides the water requirements in the desert make light weight backpacking a mute point in most (not all) circumstances, at 8.32 lbs a gallon. Especially if you are going for any length of time.
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

HIG..you outta try visiting some ultra light forums sometime if you want to argue claims of pack weights. I am obvioulsy a minority in this forum. I urge you to check into the validity of safety, comfort and overall enjoyment that packing lighter has on your body. with all due respect, you folks are sounding like a flat earth society.

And Kent, pack weights are measured as a base without food and water, gear only that is. I thought you would know that Very Happy

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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location