Unpopular opinion: I think the whole 'ultralight everything' trend is missing the point for weekend trips

I spent a year trying to cut every ounce from my pack, even bought a $300 cuben fiber tarp, but my sleep was awful. Last fall I just took my old, heavier 3-person tent on a trip to the White Mountains and slept like a rock, which made the whole hike better. Is anyone else finding that a little extra weight for real comfort is worth it?

3 comments

3 Comments

noahward25d ago

Yeah that's the thing, tiredness hits everyone different. Some folks can handle the extra weight no problem, others it just ruins the whole day and nothing at camp feels good.

thomas8622mo ago

See, I get where you're coming from, but my experience was the total opposite. I switched to a much lighter quilt and a small tarp, and I sleep better now because I'm not so worn out from carrying a heavy load all day. That extra pound in my old tent meant my knees were shot by mile ten, and I was too tired to enjoy the evening anyway. For me, the comfort of a lighter pack during the hike beats the comfort of a bigger shelter at camp. It just depends on what makes your trip good.

grayt462mo ago

My first trip on the Appalachian Trail I carried a four pound tent. I was so beat up by day three I couldn't enjoy a single sunset. Switched to a one pound tarp the next season and it was a total game changer. I used to believe a big shelter was key, but you're right, being less tired IS the real comfort. That evening energy makes the whole trip better.