+1 Jennifer. "Backpackling light" has essentially led to "backpacking balanced". As many of us are expressing the benefits of careful gear selection has led to greater enjoyment regardless of a specific weight class. For instance, carrying a packraft around is heavier than a typical pack I used to carry on a routine hike. But, I also have a navigable vessel on my back! Egads! Yes, yes, what an age we live in.
Craig – I hear you. The stripped-down, minimalist approach is always an attractive motivator. There is a part of me that has the completely spartan fantasy of running out into the wilderness w/my utility belt filled to the gills w/hi-tech, micro-sized gadgetry that will satisfy my needs and inspire shame and awe at lesser mortals trudging the wilderness in their "backpacks" bought at "retail stores". Just please don't poke a hole in my itsy-bitsy air cushion. It's sensitive.
Until technology hits another plateau I'm not sure what else can be pushed/trimmed in what most calculate as base weight. Zooming out, "ultralight" is essentially a slightly more focused aspect of product research. Until more gear/tech is developed that really breaks further boundaries it looks like good 'ol human ingenuity has done a great job at streamlining camping paraphernalia, whittled down to the core. Yes…I AM thinking of trimmed, titanium toothbrushes.
