Ultralight vs Traditional Backpacking - Pros and Cons of Ultralight Backpacking

Comparing Ultralight and Traditional Backpacking and the Pros and Cons of each. Ultralight backpacking doesn't make sense for everyone, but there are some real benefits to it as well. I look at what makes Ultralight Backpacking worth while and why you might want to back some extra gear as well.

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[KyleGraham]

For me to go totally ultralight, I’d have to stumble into some money. Cost is the big thing for me. Second is durability. I’ve had my Osprey pack since 2003 and it still does a great job. I just can’t see an ultralight pack having that kind of longevity while costing the same. Lastly, it’s silly, but I’m sentimental about my gear. It’s been with me thru some of the coolest times in my life. Seeing my pack reminds me of the years I spent taking groups to CO and the summits we made and the few we missed. When I see it, I see people’s faces and that’s a big part of it for me.

[laurieschaeffer]

I'm 50 and traditional. Most of my gear is vintage from the 1930's-1970's. I tried ultralight backpacking once, in the 1990's, and was miserable. I have nerve damage from RSD. Cold and dampness effect my mobility the most. Carrying the extra weight to be warm, dry, and comfortable is the only way I can still enjoy the outdoors. Otherwise, I would be on my hands and knees in agony.

I was stuck in a wheelchair for years and was very fortunate to regain the mobility I have. I'm just grateful to be able to walk on my own two feet again. I do get ridiculed and lectured by other hikers when they see me with my stuffed Jansport D5. They can laugh all they want, my gear will outlive them. So what if other can go faster and further, I'll get there eventually.

[michab]

Also there is something in between going ultralight vs traditional. Some items in my backpack are definitely considered as ultralight, like my down bag or my Big Agnes tent, while others are more traditional. For instance I like to take proper cooking gear with me so I can make roast potatoes on the trail instead of only being able to boil water for expensive premade trekking meals. The return I get from that is huge to me, while others prefer to get their calories as quick and easy as possible.

[andrewheffel]

I loved backpacking when I was young, but stopped in my early 20's. Back then my pack weighed 50 pounds for a 10 day trip. I took my family tent trailer camping for years. Now I am 69 and not in great shape, but my wife and I go hiking frequently. Recently I have been yearning to backpack again, and have begun buying a bit of gear, like a MSR Pocket Rocket II, without a plan. This is the first time I have heard of ultralight gear, and I am gonna check it out big time!

[treebeardtheent]

90% or more of the hikers with stress problems (joints etc.) l met on trail got those problems from doing TOO MANY MILES on too many consecutive days, not from carrying too much weight which is almost always essentially self-correcting.

[mmeljac]

I am in that group of getting a little older 55+ and dealing with knee and other pains. After a string of miserable trip failures and minor trail injuries caused by tripping and exhaustion I realized that if I didn't go ultralight there was no way I could continue backpacking safely. So now its ultralight only and believe me its getting expensive. In order to help reduce the cost I watch a ton of gear reviews to make the best decision the first time; try different pack combos; do a lot of overnights to test comfort, etc. But if my pack weighs more than 20lbs all in; food & water, trekking poles included I am miserable and tend to get hurt more. So I am cutting ounces and cutting into my savings so I can continue outdoors for another 20 years. I also take care of my gear to make it last and that is where a lot of people waste money. Ultralight gear cant be tossed in a closet or forgotten to keep its in working condition.

Anyway excellent video and as always love your openers.

[RoyceKitts]

I’m more traditional but have some ultralight stuff. I agree with monetary damage sustained by going from a recent backpacker to considering ultralight. I totaled up what it would cost me and it’s about 1200$ to go ultralight. Add to that the about 1000$ my current setup costs and it’s a big leap mentally to justify that.
Great list of pros and cons.

[Greg_M]

EXCELLENT observations about UL backpacking! And not the regular things one typically hears about, but rather the pragmatics for all ranges of ability and age. Subscribed!

I'm a former mountain wilderness backpacker with deep roots in Search and Rescue... which means I've seen and done lots that most never do, and nearly all with 45-50lb pack weights. That was then.

Well, I'm a lot older now -- pushing 70 -- and lots has changed with me physically and healthwise. The rigors of a heavy pack at high altitude on steep terrain now push me way over my limits. So I've been *evolving* from traditional backpacking to ultralight (or a hybrid thereof).

You perfectly described the UL gear obsession involving endless research, spending, experimenting and, yes, risk taking. Launching out on a multiday backpack trip into the deep wilderness, at my age, and SOLO, has obvious risks. But going UL reduces a lot of the risk right off the top -- a light pack makes for a safer and more comfortable hike, as you point out. So, setup that gear weight spreadsheet and ounce scale, and get with it.

Compromises I make: I determined that I simply must have comfortable sleep which means bringing a lightweight air mattre$$ and blanket or sleeping bag and/or bivy. Shelter can be light and minimal, even cowboy camping without or with minimal shelter is fine and, frankly, desireable when conditions allow.

I'm even dispensing, at times, with a formal backpack (I have many, including a UL) and making do with a blanket wrap backpack. Why not? Makes sense and instantly takes 2-4 lbs off your back.

UL does not have to be expensive, entirely. There are clever ways to go 'light' and keep it affordable.

And you know what's funny? All of this mirrors life as an aging senior discovers -- less is more. Say it with me: LESS IS MORE. AND BETTER.

Thanks for the great narrative. I think I might share this video with some of my friends that wonder why I spend so much time poring over my mountains of gear and going out on insane solo adventures. It is life.

[rickkaylor]

Really good video! Your backpacking history seems similar to mine. I appreciate your sharing. I started backpacking in Boy Scouts in 1967 when I was 11. Over that time my gear and technique have evolved. My big three in 1973 was a huge canvas Boy Scout backpack, a cotton sleeping bag and a plastic tarp - we didn't use tents (Estimated weight 20 lbs). In the late '70s I got into backpacking more seriously. My 1978 gear was a Kelty D4/Mountaineer frame pack (3.56lbs), Northface Bigfoot fiber fill sleeping back (3.75lbs) and Jansport Mountain Dome tent (10lbs) - Total 17.31lbs. In the '90s I moved to Utah and started hiking the Rockies and got new gear. Kelty Arapaho backpack (5.5lbs), REI Half Dome 2 Tent (5.12lbs) and Mountain Hardware Tallac down sleeping bag (2.13lbs) - Total 12.40lbs. About 5 years ago I started watching and reading more about ultralight gear so I upgraded again but really didn't spend that much money for the weight I lost. I now use an Osprey Exos 58 (2.07lbs), Aegismax down bag (1.22lbs) and a Marmot EOS 1P tent (2.07lbs) - Total 5.36lbs. If the weather is good I'll go minimalist on the tent and get it down to about 1lb.. My base weight these days is usually between 12 and 15 lbs. Purchasing quality gear is a good investment. I still have all my gear from the '70s and it is all in good shape and usable. I even still have my mess kit from Boy Scouts. The canvas pack literally rotted away over time. I'm thinking of starting a outdoor YouTube channel myself to share and am planning on doing the PCT when I retire - if my body holds up. I'll be 70 by then.

[sevans]

I tend to use traditional big 3, where I prioritize durability. But for smaller stuff I really enjoy the more minimalist mindset of ultralight and want to experiment a little more with different gear options

[triiton]

For me UL gear is about my knee's and ankles. It's surprising the difference 8 pounds on your back makes. It's alot cheaper than a knee replacement!

[TheNotLostNomad]

Man I feel that I’m pretty traditional but slowly transitioning towards Ultralight. I’ll eventually land at a sweet spot somewhere in the middle. Great video!

[mysterious.hiker.x]

I think this was a very even-keeled and realistic take on the two. As someone who does Ultralight 3 seasons a year, most of what you described is accurate to me. Winter is a different beast thiugh and I take more to be more comfortable in harsher conditions with safety as my primary concern.

[bobsoutside]

I am somewhat of a hybrid backpacker. In my younger years I knew nothing of ultralight equipment. I don’t even think there was such a thing back then. Am I aging myself? Yes I’m 64 and will be starting my AT thru hike February 26 2022. I know some of the ultralight stuff has been around for a while but I kinda ignored most of it. Now I’ve realized I can lighten things up some so I starting trying new stuff. I have some ultralight equipment but when it comes to comfort my old tendencies show. I won’t go into details but my pack base weight is about 27lbs. Heavy compared to most, but much lighter than what I used to carry. I really enjoy your videos. They are so well done and I always get something that sticks in my mind from every one of them. Keep them coming! Thanks!

[debbilermond]

Thanks, Steven for giving a voice to us middle of the road backpackers! I just started backpacking again after car injuries and surgeries kept me from doing it for 25 years. I have to say that the UL hikers have innovated so much of this recreation, that I am again able to backpack again at 68. I wouldn't call myself an Ultralighter by any means but I do buy quality UL gear. I love my Gregory Deva 70 pack, my NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack 2P tent and Moutain Hardwear Trango II for Winter weather backpacking. I upgraded most of my equipment but still carry 20-25 lbs in my pack. I still love a hot meal and will never cold soak anything! I love my Snow Peak Bi-Pod mini stove with handy butane mix canisters! What a joy to use on the uneven mountain terrain. My sleeping bag is heavy at a bit over 3 lbs. but it a Feathered Friends 20 degree Penguin semi-rectangular down bag with overfill. Some things you just can't cut corners on as most young people will find if they ever get to my age and are still backpacking. Happy trails to you!

[victoriawalker]

I am a new backpacker but a longer term hiker and camper. I have preferred in the past to do circular hikes from a Basecamp. This is because I've never been hugely strong (I'm quite slight) and hence I have been worried about not being able to walk far enough or carry everything.

For me, the concept of ultralight is liberating! I can put together a pack I can carry, and I can go out and do the multi day hikes that I've always longed for. I don't feel scared of it anymore. I've got my first multi-day hike planned for the beginning of next month. I don't need to rely on another person to split tent weight.

Since I've always relied on cheap, kind of shit kit (and I've always known that) my first serious kit purchases (sleeping bag and pad) do not feel like a waste to me. I'm going for a Rab down filled sleeping bag, should be very nice indeed.

[ndrevrl]

im a light packer, i took two weeks in the wilderness of washington state and learn alot, i took gear in didn't use at all, i completely transform m pack base on those two weeks in the woods andi love the outcomes, plus i bought much better hiking boots that have made a huge difference.

[AnonymousOnimous]

While I've been camping more times than I can count, I've only been back packing once when I was 18 almost 11 years ago. Being 5'3" and female, I'm concerned about both mountain lions and human predators. Between the limitations of time, money, and moving around so much, I haven't done this thing that I know I'd love. Watching this channel, I'm gaining ideas of how to finally get out to live this dream.

[troutbait]

I think, given my nearly 50 years of backpacking experience, we're at a point where there's a very fine line between traditional and ultra-light.
In a comment to a video about ultra-light gear not being expensive, and traditional gear not being light or cheaper, I was prompted to go on a virtual shopping trip where I gathered together via the REI Outlet a list of comparable gear to that of the video creator with some traditional spins - a sleeping bag, a tent (*and a traditional weight tarp, too) - that, if I remember correctly, came in around 13 pounds and about $350 and change. I find that comfortable middle ground to live on.
I still carry a fair bit of weight, partly out of cheapness, partly out of comfort (*I still use a first generation 3/4 length Therm-a-Rest, with a chair kit, that's worth its weight in gold to me, because it serves double duty so well), or when day hiking or for shorter backpacking trips I often have camera gear
I'm at like 21 pounds, base weight, and I live like a king out there - and that's probably about half of what I carried in weight 20 years ago. ;)
And we still haven't accounted for the 40 pounds more I weigh now... but I digress...

[madk]

I think the ultralight ideology is good to understand, even if you don't fully embrace it. Getting lighter in certain areas allows you to "spend that weight elsewhere", so to speak. I have a Zpacks Arc Haul ultra, katabatic gear quilt, and the lightest clothing and kitchenware I can find that will meet the minimum requirements. Yet I also bring a 3lb megamat lite 30" wide pad, and a legit pillow (a thin 14x20 toddler pillow with a sea to summit air seat, both inside a soft toddler pillowcase rigged with cords to attach to pad). They'd laugh me out of the backpackinglight forums with my 4lb pad+pillow. But man do I sleep like a baby out there, while still maintaining a sub-15lb base weight. Its all about finding what things are important to you.