Ultralight Approach

Skill Unlocks > Gear

While UL gear is typically our first introduction to 'ultralight', the most impactful and important aspect for myself are skill unlocks. My most impactful skill unlocks are: 1) MacGyver level on-trail ingenuity to do more with less, 2) Training the body to sleep on 1" or less of padding, 3) Training the mind and palette to enjoy the main meal midday, and only snack at other times (i.e., no morning/evening "meals", while achieving necessary calorie intake). These three unlocks enable one to drastically simplify, reduce quantity, and reduce overall weight of gear items. This topic warrants a full article on each point to delve deeper into why they are worth the effort/investment, and in time I hope to add that information.

Photo: Filling up water at Kitchen Creek Spur trail, PCT mile 29.8.