Ultralight Culture Has A Problem

Ultralight backpacking has changed. What started as a movement focused on simplicity, efficiency, and removing excess has slowly shifted toward chasing the lowest base weight possible. In this video, I break down how ultralight culture evolved, where social media may have influenced the conversation, and why your base weight number doesn’t define you as a hiker. This isn’t anti-ultralight. It’s about intentionality. If your 8lbs base weight works for you, awesome. If 12lbs gives you more comfort and confidence on trail, that’s awesome too. Ultralight is a tool — not an identity. #UltralightBackpacking #BackpackingGear #HikingCulture #BaseWeight ---------------------------------------------------------- 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 – Ultralight Culture Has Changed 1:19 – What Ultralight Was Originally About 3:02 – What Changed in Ultralight Culture 5:07 – The Real Tradeoffs on Trail 6:11 – What Actually Matters More Than Base Weight 6:44 – How I’m Testing My Gear for 2026 ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking