milesIs ultralight more expensive?
Yes, I would say it generally costs more. But it doesn’t have to.
For example, ultralight tents are expensive, so I embraced tarp life. My tarp and bivy are lighter than most UL tents and cost hundreds of dollars less.
My individual pieces of clothing cost more, but adopting an ultralight approach means I don’t carry needless extras, so I don’t buy as many clothes in the first place.
UL stoves can cost a lot, but the BRS stove or an alcohol stove are cheap and weigh less. Eating cold food is even lighter.
You get the idea. It costs exactly what you spend on it. It can be done affordabley if you are strict about what you are carrying and strategic with purchases. Leaving unneeded items at home will have a bigger impact on your base weight than any $700 tent.
well said. got a lighterpack handy? :)
I still owe you a lighterpack and I’ve been slow about getting around to it. I pulled out all my stuff in preparation for an upcoming trip and weighed it.
It’s not down to ultralight weights, but it’s not far off if you drop the luxury items and some extra clothes. I’m debating switching to a smaller pack. I’ve carried all this same kit in a Cotopaxi 20L climbing pack that weighs about 10 oz less. The gorilla is more comfortable though, especially if it’s dry and I have to carry more water.
both are great kits. i like the 3-day skateboard kit the best :) how do you like the Yama tarp? i’ve considered getting one from them and now they don’t make them anymore, think i missed my chance. how’s your sleeping pad, looks like a cheapo inflatable? anything you didn’t use on your trip? love the idea of a trip by skateboard, i’m a fan of all human-powered travel — where’d you go and where are you headed next?
I forgot to mention what’s next. I’ve got a weekend loop at Mt Rogers in VA planned for next month. I’m also trying to take down another MST section, but I might have to settle for biking or skating a road heavy section due to time constraints.