To Pack or Not to Pack? What constitutes an ‘essential’ item in a lightweight hiker’s overnight pack?

Hello Jim. There are those who don't consider the range of conditions/possibilities they will encounter when in the backcountry and go so light AND don't have the skills to improvise when they encounter an injury or weather change they didn't expect. As "educated" lightweight backpackers it's our mission to encourage lightweight travel WITH the responsibility and skilly needed to be safe.

Reading this reminds me of a story we like to tell about "pilgrims". As a buckskinner I do historical reenactments
and blackpowder shots. We can tell pilgrims because they come through the supply tents and buy up everything they "think" they need. I have seen the same with ultralight. I believe it more important with ultralight more than any other form of camping to research products and and conditions of the area you are working in. I think you should start with haveing to much equipment and as you camp weed out items not needed. Just my thoughts.