My tried-and-true philosophy of backpacking gear is that ANY gear that I will use 8 hours a day every day MUST BE COMFORTABLE.
* HOUR GEAR-> Shoes/Boots. Pack, Tent, Sleep system, Clothes.
SO… my Tarptent NOTCH Li could be lighter minus the inner tent but I hate bugs disturbing my sleep so I take the inner tent
My MERRILL MOAB shoes and mid boots are not the lightest but are the most comfortable for my feet in a wide size.
I could eschew a regular size, full length, mummy shaped, insulated R3.5 REI FLASH air mattress but I love the comfort.
My Osprey EXOS 58 is not the lightest UL pack but it is the most comfortable I’ve ever found for 3 season use.
CLOTHES? ALL are synthetic except the HOLLOW alpaca wool socks.
My 8 HOUR GEAR is what I’ve boiled UL backpacking down to. It has worked well for me for years.
