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Just realized my 'ultralight' obsession is missing the point after a cold night in the Smokies
I was reading a forum thread where a guy bragged about his 8-pound base weight, but then admitted he spent the whole trip cold and miserable because his quilt was too thin. He said, 'I saved 12 ounces and lost a night's sleep.' That hit me. I've been chasing lower numbers for three seasons, skipping a real pillow or a proper camp chair. But comfort matters. If you're not having fun, why go? Has anyone else ditched the pure weight focus for a few luxury items that made trips better?
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craig.parker2mo ago
Yeah, that's the truth right there. Spent years cutting every ounce, even used a tiny foam sit pad instead of a chair. My back hated me. Finally got one of those little folding stools last year. Game changer. Worth every extra pound in the pack. Being able to actually sit by the fire without pain? That's the whole point of being out there.
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felixlewis2mo ago
Wait, you used a foam pad as a chair?
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sage_perry27d ago
Totally get that. I was the same way about saving weight at all costs. Then I tried a friend's stool on a long trip and it was like, why did I suffer for so long? Comfort is part of the experience, not something to cut out.
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