Getting Started Is the Hardest Part
Is that not dangerous?
Since you engage with the trip beforehand, the risk potential is no higher than on normal hikes. As a rule, expanding your comfort zone is a longer process.
Whoever treats UL gear the same way as their BW gear, crashing through all thorn bushes near the trail, whoever deliberately sits on their 5 g alcohol stove, is beyond help. But for those who handle it responsibly, I have so far not noticed any difference in durability. I have never broken a UL backpack or a normal backpack under normal use.
A lot can be eliminated through careful planning. How long do I have to haul water between sources. Are there towns nearby for stocking up on water [cemeteries are usually also open on Sundays] / buying food when crossing through cities.
This interests me, where do I start?
After you have removed more and more items you do not need from your backpack tour after tour, you can venture into new investments, or start right away with MYOG .
It is best to start with the heaviest items; these are referred to as the Big 3. Swapping them out
One of the best-known UL principles is 343, three for three, and it means bringing the weight of the following items (the Big Three) below 3 kg for three-season use:
1. Shelter
A double-wall tent can easily weigh 3-5 kg, each peg 40-60 g, and it adds up quickly. Double-wall means double the weight due to the 2 layers of material.
A single-wall tent weighs on average between 1-2 kg, as the inner tent material is saved. In return, there is more condensation from breath.
With some tent models, the poles can also be replaced by trekking poles, another multi-use item that can save weight.
A tarp is one of the lightest shelters, but forgives setup mistakes the least. While a large tarp still forgives setup mistakes, things look different with a poncho tarp.
2. Sleep system
The sleep system consists of ground insulation through a sleeping pad & a sleeping bag or quilt (sleeping bag without a back section). A down sleeping bag insulates better on average than a sleeping bag with synthetic fill, but is also more susceptible to moisture. Because when damp, the down can clump together and the insulating effect is lost from that moment on. With synthetic fibers, the insulating ability is only somewhat reduced.
3. Backpack
A small tent and a small sleep system need less volume in the backpack, allowing a smaller, lighter backpack to be used. This is the 3rd step, because the backpack must fit your gear. Many UL backpacks no longer have a frame or hip belt for weight reasons. These are already at their limit with just a few kilos. With my most-worn backpack (~470 g), this is for example at >=12 kg. If you have even more weight on your back, better settle for a reasonably light backpack (1.1-1.5 kg) that still has a carrying frame and hip belt to distribute the load better.
And now?
Once the Big 3 have been reduced, the next heaviest item would be up, which is usually the cooking set. For some, it is already enough to take only one pot instead of 3. Others want to go further and start cooking only in their mug.
Keep experimenting and draw a conclusion from every trip. To do this, categorize your gear afterwards into 3 categories:
- Frequently used (or first aid / repair kit). These items come along on the next trip again
- Barely used. Before the next trip, consider whether you would have managed without these items; if yes, then leave them at home
- Not used. Items in this category can be left at home next time without a guilty conscience
