What Everyone Gets Wrong About Ultralight Backpacking

Ray Jardine, the co-founder of ultralight backpacking, states, “a non-purchase is a 100% reduction in weight.” Meaning you’ll save the entire weight of an item by simply not bringing it. Good news for your wallet, bad news for the ultralight consumerism cult. Everything ultralighters do is in pursuit of saving energy. And logically, that tracks. Less weight on your back does equate to less effort on your hike. But what is the ONE THING that saves the most energy while you’re hiking? That’s the question I’m going to answer today. Join me for a philosophical discussion about ultralight backpacking and what it really means to take less. I’m getting into the weeds and backing up my claims with science, research, and a little bit of history. Show your support for my work. I NEVER take sponsored gear reviews and AdSense pays pennies. Consider buying me a backcountry coffee to support these deep dives: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest Related videos: What I learned from calculating my baseweight: https://youtu.be/-eKEKe8WKdk Don’t buy new backpacking gear, use what you have at home: https://youtu.be/bKYk6Sv55sw Why I had to hit the SOS button on the Wind River High Route: https://youtu.be/3ed8T5RLgdM Hiking footwear, the ONE thing that really matters: https://youtu.be/liJtac-GvZw Corrections: Pandolf measures mets, a unit of energy exerted over time. But that’s pretty abstract for folks to wrap their heads around. A quick conversion calculation can give you calories. Sources and references https://www.southwesthikes.com/classic-ultralight-gear-brands-the-founders-their-innovations-and-whats-next/ https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/ultralight-backpacking-history https://www.backpacker.com/skills/a-short-history-of-ultralight/ https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/ultralight-backpacking-basics/ https://github.com/CleverRaven/Cataclysm-DDA/issues/47205 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299852604_The_Pandolf_load_carriage_equation_is_a_poor_predictor_of_metabolic_rate_while_wearing_explosive_ordnance_disposal_protective_clothing https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8560389/ https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/ultimate-backpacking-calorie-estimator/?scope=anon 1992 PCT Hiker’s Handbook can be found at: https://openlibrary.org/ My favorite mountain backpacking gear…UL…or not 👇 OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L (My go-to UL pack): https://alnk.to/ei3MR2K Snapfolds UL Bowl: https://alnk.to/c09W6w0 MSR PocketRocket (had for over 10 years): https://rei.pxf.io/RGNnjN Katadyn Be Free Filter: https://rei.pxf.io/kO1MKM One Hydration Drinking tube for SmartWater Bottle: https://alnk.to/4XxCRKZ Sea to Summit UltraSil Compression Sack 20L: https://rei.pxf.io/JKv4ra Adotek Grizzly Proof UL Bear Sack: https://alnk.to/2FDM7C2 Sunscreen stick: https://amzn.to/43PDbq9 Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Thermarest NeoLoft Pad - wide: https://rei.pxf.io/VxvY9R Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt 20F: https://alnk.to/aWFodLm Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow: https://alnk.to/4BI6UnI NiteCore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank: https://alnk.to/c09W6sB Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Culo Clean Bidet: https://amzn.to/4l08ST7 Big Agnes Copper Spur: https://rei.pxf.io/2aL5zD NOTE These are affiliate links. I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! Want more spicy takes? Here’s how we can stay in touch: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megintheforest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ #ultralightbackpacking #backpackingtips #backpackinggear Music license code (Uppbeat): JLQ02VL3C1GTQCRQ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:59 - measuring effort while you hike what really matters 04:59 - How much energy you spend with different pack weights 07:29 - What is the amount of weight reduction that will lead in a change to how you hike? 08:09 - The origins of ultralight backpacking 10:01 - How to be an ultralight backpacker according to the founders of ultralight 12:13 - Where does a 10-pound baseweight for ultralight backpacking come from? 13:21 - What is the one thing that will make backpacking easier? 16:04 - Doing this will help you hike further and have 20-mile days 19:13 - What makes an ultralight backpacker? 22:55 - Outro