Actually think the ultralight craze is overrated after my last trip

I used to pack light, real light, under 15 pounds for a 3-day hike in the Smokies. But last fall I got caught in a cold snap near Clingmans Dome and had to borrow a buddy's heavy fleece just to make it through the night. Now I carry a 4-pound tent instead of that 1.5-pound tarp setup and I sleep way better. Has anyone else gone back to heavier, more durable gear after trying the ultralight thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

grantp1425d ago

Switched back to a heavier tent myself after a rainy night spent shivering under a tarp. Nothing beats a good night's sleep for making the extra pounds worth it.

corablack25d ago

Oh man, that hits close to home. My buddy Steve tried the whole ultralight tarp thing last summer and ended up cutting his trip short because he couldn't sleep a wink. He said he woke up with his sleeping bag soaked and just packed up and hiked out at 4am.

jana_jones25d ago

Yeah, that's the thing with tarps right there. They're great until they're not, and then you're just miserable. I've seen so many people try to save weight only to end up bailing on their whole trip because they couldn't stay dry. A wet sleeping bag is pretty much the fastest way to ruin a camping trip.