7 Ultralighters Share Their Worst Gear Decisions

Ultralight backpacking has become an increasingly popular trend among outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize minimizing the weight of their gear for a more enjoyable and efficient hiking experience. However, in the pursuit of shedding ounces, ultralighters sometimes make poor gear decisions that can have a negative impact on their overall hiking experience. In a recent survey, seven experienced ultralight backpackers shared their worst gear decisions and the lessons they learned from those experiences.

One common mistake that many ultralighters make is investing in a sleeping bag that is not suitable for the conditions they will be facing. Sarah, an avid ultralighter, recalls a particularly cold and uncomfortable night on a solo backpacking trip when she opted for a lightweight summer sleeping bag instead of a warmer option. "I thought I could get away with using a lighter sleeping bag in the shoulder season, but I ended up shivering all night long," she says. "I learned the hard way that it's worth carrying a few extra ounces for a better night's sleep."

Another common gear mistake is choosing a flimsy and fragile shelter in the pursuit of saving weight. John, an experienced ultralighter, recounts a particularly harrowing experience when a sudden storm rolled in and his ultralight tarp shelter failed to provide adequate protection. "I thought I could get away with a minimalist tarp shelter, but when the storm hit, I realized that durability and reliability are more important than shaving a few ounces," he says. "Now, I always make sure to prioritize a sturdy and weather-resistant shelter."

Footwear is another area where ultralighters often make poor gear decisions. Maria, an experienced hiker, made the mistake of choosing a pair of lightweight trail runners instead of sturdy hiking boots for a multi-day backpacking trip. "I thought I could get away with wearing trail runners to save weight, but I ended up with blisters and sore feet after just a few days on the trail," she says. "I learned that the right footwear is crucial for comfort and support, even if it means carrying a bit more weight on your feet."

In the pursuit of minimizing weight, some ultralighters also make the mistake of skimping on essential safety gear. Tom, an experienced backpacker, recalls a particularly nerve-wracking experience when he found himself stranded without a reliable way to start a fire in an emergency situation. "I thought I could get away with a minimalist fire starter, but when I needed it most, it failed me," he says. "Now, I always make sure to carry a reliable fire starter and other essential safety gear, even if it means adding a few extra ounces to my pack."

Food and water are also areas where ultralighters sometimes make poor gear decisions. Sarah, who has extensive experience with long-distance hiking, admits that she made the mistake of carrying too little food and water on a particularly grueling section of trail. "I thought I could get away with carrying less food and water to save weight, but I ended up feeling weak and dehydrated," she says. "I learned the hard way that it's important to prioritize adequate nutrition and hydration, even if it means carrying a bit more weight."

Choosing the wrong insulation layer is another common gear mistake among ultralighters. Mark, an experienced hiker, recalls a particularly chilly night when he opted for a lightweight fleece instead of a warmer down jacket. "I thought I could get away with a lighter insulation layer, but I ended up shivering through the night," he says. "Now, I always make sure to prioritize warmth and comfort over saving a few ounces."

Finally, some ultralighters make the mistake of forgoing essential navigation and communication devices in the pursuit of shedding weight. Emily, an experienced backpacker, remembers a particularly stressful situation when she got lost on a remote trail without a reliable map or GPS device. "I thought I could navigate by memory and save weight by leaving my map and GPS behind, but I ended up feeling lost and vulnerable," she says. "Now, I always make sure to carry essential navigation and communication devices, even if it means adding a bit of weight to my pack."

In conclusion, the pursuit of ultralight backpacking can sometimes lead to poor gear decisions that can have a negative impact on the overall hiking experience. From choosing inadequate sleeping bags and shelters to skimping on essential safety gear and navigation devices, ultralighters must be mindful of the potential consequences of prioritizing weight savings over functionality and reliability. By learning from their mistakes and prioritizing the right gear, ultralighters can ensure a more enjoyable and safe hiking experience.