As 2010 comes to a close I look back over the decade and think 2000 – 2010 was the Golden Era of Modern Ultra Light and Super Ultra Light backpacking.
I recall a line in Ryan Jordan's 2005 book Lightweight Backpacking and Camping that defined SUL as a sub 5lb base pack weight and a description that lovingly called it "ridiculously light" and he noted he knew only about 10 other people who regularly went that light.
How times have changed… I'm sure that now there are many thousands worldwide that regularly go that light at least part of the year for some trips. Gear has changed and more information is available all over. Certainly gear makers have changed!
I remember making my first SUL backpack and a silnylon poncho tarp and bivy in 2001 (or maybe 2002) for a long weekend trip on the AT- I don't know the exact weight but it must have been pretty close to 5lb- maybe less. As years went by, MLD was born and grew, and my UL lifestyle and mind set grew too. There is still more room to grow.
It's Been An Awesome Decade! Can't wait to see what's up for 2011- 2020…
When did you first break the sub 5lb barrier? How did it change you beyond backpacking?
