Some Ultralight Tradeoffs Just Aren’t Worth It

Ultralight backpacking isn’t always better—and some tradeoffs just aren’t worth it. After hundreds of miles on trails like the John Muir Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail, I’ve learned that chasing lighter gear can come with real downsides: comfort, durability, and overall experience. In this video, I break down the ultralight tradeoffs I’ve stopped making—and what actually matters more on trail. If you’re dialing in your gear for your next backpacking trip, this will help you avoid common mistakes. ---------------------------------------------------------- P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It helps support the channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! ---------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Support the Channel: Venmo: @colbyonthetrail ---------------------------------------------------------- Discount Codes: Tell Your Trail 12% off: ColbyontheTrail12 https://tellyourtrail.com/?ref=ColbyontheTrail12 Hilltop Packs 10% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://hilltoppacks.com/colbyonthetrail Backcountry Foodie 20% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/73/ ---------------------------------------------------------- My Favorite Gear: Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/4kLxv71 Titanium 750ml Pot: https://amzn.to/4kWEk5t Ultralight Stove: https://amzn.to/4kUKbbr Water Filter: https://amzn.to/4o45itc Ultralight Trowel: https://amzn.to/4iaU7Mr Summit Suds Powdered Soap: https://amzn.to/3FyXOgx Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets: https://amzn.to/3DUGIJh Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie: https://amzn.to/4iay6gG Nike Men's Challenger Dri-fit 5" Lined Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/4kq1S2B Garmin inReach Mini 2: https://amzn.to/4kAYVML inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable: https://amzn.to/41QdkMh Camera Gear: Camera Gear: DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3QVjNRi DJI Osmo Action 6 : https://amzn.to/4axDqtE Insta360 X5: https://amzn.to/4qm7qOw Sony A6700: https://amzn.to/4qkKwa5 Sony G Master 15mm f1.4 Lens: https://amzn.to/4b7pyX9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 0:00 – Some Ultralight Tradeoffs Just Aren’t Worth It 0:54 – Sleeping Pad Tradeoffs 2:58 – Trail Runners Weight vs. Comfort 5:08 – Food Weight vs Energy 7:15 – Frameless Backpacks 9:27 – Camera Gear Tradeoffs 10:33 – Where Do You Draw The Line? ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking