Why I stopped obsessing over ultralight gear after a trip in the Smokies

I was carrying a 7-pound pack and miserable because I didn't bring enough water, so I finally realized weight savings don't matter if you're dehydrated and had to hike 4 miles to a stream.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_matthew2mo ago

Yeah sounds like someone forgot basic trip planning exists. "My ultralight pack was miserable" - bro, that's a YOU problem, not a gear problem.

charles_kelly431mo ago

I mean yeah the guy messed up his water planning, but the whole ultralight mindset can actually make you take more risks out there. When you're so focused on shaving off every ounce, you start justifying leaving behind things that might save you in a bad situation like an extra filter or a backup water supply. I've seen people skip rain gear or a proper first aid kit just to get their base weight down, and then they're in trouble when the weather turns or someone gets hurt. It's not just about being thirsty, it's about how the obsession with cutting weight can make you ignore basic safety too.

grace_bailey2mo ago

A 7 pound pack sounds like you were already pushing it with just water weight though. One bad day of being thirsty doesn't mean everyone needs to carry a gallon of water for every trip. Maybe just plan your route better next time instead of blaming the whole gear philosophy.

-1