I’ve been thinking a lot about Ultralight gear, as I always do, and have noted my progression from a 13+ lb base weight to my current 3 season 6.5-8 lb. kit. In my reflection a question arose. “How little is needed?”. Or how little is too little when going backpacking. Is this question a product of a obsessive and deranged mind or a natural progression?
For the past few years I have felt a drive to lower my base weight while also keeping comfort and safety in the frame of the internal discussion. This coming season I will be venturing out regularly with a sub 5 lb. base weight also known as Super Ultra Light (SUL). I will use this kit on 2-3 night trips to either revel in the success or suffer in the failure of going “stupid light”.
So where does this fit in the world of “Ultralight”?
There are few SUL hikers and even less Extreme Ultralight (XUL) hikers with base weight under 3 lb. but I feel with the development in fabric technology, product design, and the ever-growing minimalist movement we will see more hikers experimenting with these minimal pack-weights. As a starting point, I have found the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) event to be an inspiration. A modified version of the OMM required kit can provide a base from which to build a SUL kit.
It is important to note that It is not only the gear but the knowledge from years of experience on trail that affords us to carry such light kits.
Only experienced hikers should attempt to explore such an extreme platform and in doing so understand the potential risks involved.
The Comfort Question
Some may argue that there is a price to be paid when considering UL or SUL. This is entirely dependent on individual comfort levels which, I have found, retains some plasticity. With this in mind and as we gain experience we can move on to more efficient and lighter means. I will be the first to tout the comfort of my inflatable sleeping pad and would not consider going without one, but even so I am able to craft a UL and even an SUL kit around it.
An “Orbital” Approach
Crafting kits around particular gear with a goal in mind is, I have found, to be very good exercise. I like to refer to this as an “orbital” approach. Sleeping pads are a good place to start as the word “comfort” usually pops up when discussing sleeping and shelter systems. I would love to be able to sleep on a ⅛” “sleeping pad” but I, like many, I cannot. This is where I get orbital by keeping one or two pieces of gear at the center of my kit that I will not go without. Certain pieces of gear, like my NeoAir, are important for me to get adequate sleep and in turn enjoy my time on trail.
Similarly, when it comes to pack volume and the physical amount of gear I choose a pack that is slightly too small and build a kit around it, normally this is not recommended but I am an experienced backpacker and I enjoy to pushing myself. I have done this with each new pack I have purchased for the past two years. The KS Ultralight Tao is a great example. With only 35L of space to work with It was an enjoyable challenge coming from the 54L Granite Gear Virga 2 which had been my first truly frame-less backpack. Some may ask “How is that possible?!”.
Gear Choice.
Gear choice becomes important when moving to a small volume pack. Utilizing websites like Lighterpack and Trailpost to record weights and to organize a gear list for your trips is very helpful. After cataloging your gear you can give yourself a shakedown. For me this is whittling down your gear list to only the essentials for survival and then adding back what you need to make the trip comfortable. I usually start with a pack, minimal shelter (tarp, poncho tarp etc.), insulation (quilt, sleeping pad etc.), Trowel (Leave No Trace!), and Food. For me everything else is “extra”. From this skeleton you can build out your kit. The key to venturing into the SUL landscape is experience. Having the skills needed to do more with less and understanding gear limitations is vital.
Doing More With Less.
The final, and to many, the most difficult hurtle is clothing. Clothing also can fit into the Comfort category but you don’t need much to be comfortable and warm. Clothing can account for pounds of carried weight. Even with “Ultralight” clothing it is easy to carry two pounds or more. Assuming three-season conditions, you can get your clothing to 1.5lbs or less. For me, there are two core items.
- A waterproof garment.
- Some form of insulation.
Depending on conditions I have found that my Frogg Toggs jacket and Patagonia Thermal Weight crew base-layer provide all the active insulation I need in most three season conditions. If there is a cold snap I can walk faster to keep my heart rate up or wrap my quilt around me or get in it to warm up. If cold weather forcast for the majority of my trip I will bring my Mont-Bell Thermawrap or Superior Down Parka.
I hope the takeaway here is that SUL/XUL is only possible with experience and a firm understanding of gear limitations. Gear is only a tool with which we explore wonderful places.
Cheers!
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