I hate ultralight

My name is Caroline and I hate ultralight. I consider myself an intermediate hiker. I do multi-day hikes in huts or camping. I don't consider myself an expert, but I'm not a beginner either 🙂

I experimented with a bag that was too heavy , like any hiker in those early days. In 2020, I decided to invest in ultralight equipment. I researched, read reviews, blogs and shared in Facebook groups about the gear I should choose.

The process took about 4-6 months to make the best possible choices.

I was sure of my choices, so many reviews, comments, Facebook posts. Some nights I dreamt I was sleeping in my tent, my quilt or carrying my backpack up the mountain.

My circle of friends only go on day trips. I am the only one who goes for several days. I go alone or with friends I met on the internet during the COVID.

I knew I had to test my equipment. I hadn't had the opportunity to do so and I was eager to get out into the woods and push my limits as a woodlander. The advice I was given that replaced the equipment test was good. They just weren't right for me.

I learned that testing your gear is the key to making the right choices. I also learned that self-knowledge is more important than knowing the specifics of hiking gear 🙂

At the end of 2021 (after my purchases), I had the chance to virtually meet two people who were experts in ultralight. The first was the founder of a Quebec company and the second, her friend, who had done the IAT and CDT; an inspiring woman I was lucky enough to hike with last February. 🥰

I learned more about hiking in 3 hours of virtual meetings than in the last 5 years. I will try to summarize what I learned:

- It is important to understand your needs in order to prepare for your trip,

- It is important to understand your needs before you buy,

- Test the material before you buy it,

- The ultralight process is a continuous and lengthy process. It takes years of experience on the trails,

- It is better to have slightly heavier equipment and feel good,

- You have to be confident in your choices and in your equipment,

- You have to keep an eye on the Facebook groups. Everyone is helpful but not all advice is good. Each hiker is different with their own needs,

- The analysis of reviews or blogs is similar to the point above. Every walker and every need is different,

- You have to shop gradually, while increasing your knowledge,

- There are many tips for reducing the weight of your belongings before you buy equipment,

- It is important to exchange with hikers who know the best ways to hike.

My vision of hiking is changing. These meetings have opened doors for me. I have broadened my understanding. The relationship between hiking and myself is changing. I have a thirst to learn more and more. I have an even greater desire to learn and to understand myself.

This bad experience with the ultralight made me think. I am not against ultralight, I just made the wrong choices. My experience and vision were not good enough to have ultralight equipment. I learned from my mistakes. From a monetary point of view, my mistakes cost me a lot. But that's life 🙂

I sold some of my equipment to buy slightly heavier equipment that better suited my needs. I will do 1-2 years with it. However, I was able to save 35% of weight in my backpack.

In the next few years, I will surely turn to ultralight again. The concept and philosophy of ultralight appeal to me. I still have a way to go and I need to gain experience.