I hate ultralight
![Mathieu Jourjon on the Pacific Crest Trail with ultralight equipment made in Quebec and Canada. He uses an ultralight tent, backpack and sleeping bag for the long hikes. Mount Trail specializes in long distance hiking, ultralight and camping. They manufacture sleeping bags and tents in Quebec.](https://ucarecdn.com/e054fa98-ab45-4873-af09-291f087dbf06/-/format/auto/-/preview/120x120/-/quality/lighter/Mount-trail-sac-couchage-ultraleger-sentier-randonn%C3%A9e-camping-plume-duvet-quilt-quebec-canada.jpg)
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.
The bad experiences of ultralight
My three biggest purchases were the tent, the backpack and a sleeping bag. I wanted to reduce the weight of my backpack. I imported my equipment from the US.
The tent
I bought a tent from Zpack. It was expensive but it was the most famous. The reviews were positive.
Here are the negative points:
- Water can get into the tent because there is no zip,
- The tent is very narrow,
- The fabric is not strong enough for my use. I have made some holes after several uses (this is entirely my fault),
- It is difficult to stretch it properly,
- She moves a lot during the night.
The sleeping bag
I bought a quilt from Enlightened Equipment. I had never tried quilts before and I read a lot about them. I also exchanged with other hikers on Facebook groups.
Here are the negative points:
My feet got cold. There is a small hole in the feet and less feathers than a standard sleeping bag:
- The quilt straps move during the night,
- The cold rushes into the quilt when I move,
- I can't seem to get my quilt to fit properly while I sleep.
The backpack
I bought a Hyperlite Mountain Gear backpack from La Cordée. I kept this backpack because it is suitable for most of my hikes. I like it. The only downside to this purchase is the price but I am willing to pay it.
The problem is not with the equipment or the American companies that produce the equipment , but with me alone 🙂
Do not test your equipment
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 🙂
![Mount Trail specializes in long distance hiking, ultralight and camping. They manufacture sleeping bags and tents in Quebec.](https://ucarecdn.com/dfad19e9-35ba-409a-86df-854d900dfe03/-/format/auto/-/preview/120x120/-/quality/lighter/Mount-trail-sac-couchage-ultraleger-sentier-randonn%C3%A9e-camping-plume-duvet-quilt-quebec-canada-sia-pct.jpg)
Get advice from the right people
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.
![Mathieu Jourjon on the Pacific Crest Trail with ultralight equipment made in Quebec and Canada. He uses an ultralight tent, backpack and sleeping bag for long hikes, camping and outdoor activities. Mount Trail specializes in long distance hiking, ultralight and camping. They manufacture sleeping bags and tents in Quebec.](https://ucarecdn.com/20f21b1f-c89b-49c5-a2d6-cafcdd5a376a/-/format/auto/-/preview/120x120/-/quality/lighter/Mount-trail-sac-couchage-ultraleger-sentier-randonn%C3%A9e-camping-plume-duvet-quilt-quebec-canada-sia-pct-at.jpg)
I want to try the ultralight again
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.
CONCLUSION
I don't hate ultralight, but I hate the choices I made. I want to ride the IAT alone or accompanied in 2023. I won't make the same mistakes 🙂
Here are some tips in bulk:
Understanding your needs is key,
2. testingyour equipment is essential,
3.buy your equipment gradually; one purchase at a time!
Talk to people who understand your needs,
5. questioning our experience and knowledge. We think we know everything but the universe is big,
6.listen to Facebook group comments with one ear. A person's opinion or perception is different from their actual needs.
I hope that my bad experience with ultralights and this text will help other hikers. It is important to ask the right questions before making a purchase. Time, experience and meeting expert people will broaden our knowledge. 🥰
I know the process and the questions I need to ask myself to prepare adequately for the IAT 2023. I'm looking forward to riding the mountains of the Gaspé. 🥰
Caroline Fortin
Hiker and Mother