The /r/Ultralight FAQ

1. Introduction

1.1. Current Version

Last Updated: 3/04/2021

1.2 Purpose

This FAQ page is designed to help those new to the Ultralight community get answers to questions that the Sub sees frequently. It might be possible that your post was removed for asking a question which has been answered many times before and you have been redirected here. More than likely, your question is a good one - just, it is a frequent topic which the sub already has covered (usually) definitively. Please take a read through the FAQs below, the main Wiki page and use the search function.

If you still have questions regarding your topic, feel free to post your follow up questions in the Weekly Thread or a new post if you really feel that your question is unique and not addressed before. Just remember to follow all the sub's rules including the low effort rule when re-posting!

2. Frequently Asked Questions

Searching the subreddit

How do I use Google to search r/ultralight?

site:reddit.com/r/ultralight search item

Example: site:reddit.com/r/ultralight Zpacks Duplex

How do I use Google to comparison shop/search items?

name-of-tent-A and name-of-tent-B site:reddit.com/r/ultralight

Example: Aeon and Plexamid site:reddit.com/r/ultralight

Common shakedown recommendations

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/chbc2p/meta_a_list_of_common_shakedown_recommendations/

Budget UL gear list - $800 & 6lbs

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/kzehen/a_6_pound_56_oz_ultralight_3_season_budget_gear/

Freestanding Tents vs. Non-Free Standing Tents

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/4a3yjg/freestanding_vs_nonfreestanding

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/g8jyhn/xmid_1p_vs_something_freestanding_need_help/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bjjiwo/unable_to_pitch_semi_freestanding_tent/

Tents for Tall People:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/i894kd/backpacking_shelters_for_the_big_tall_and_those/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/g5bgbd/tall_people_dcf_shelter_options/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/eq8yxd/looking_for_double_walled_ultralight_tent_options/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hdpwmm/best_budget_tent_for_tall_people/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ernu7o/realistic_2_person_ultralight_tent_for_66_2/

Tarps vs. Tents:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/2pkzpz/someone_help_me_understand_the_point_of_using_a/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/fpc1xi/tarp_vs_ul_tent_setups/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5qhym6/tent_or_tarp_and_bug_net/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5zdzqf/are_tarps_worth_the_weight

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/abe43t/does_a_tarp_help_condensation_vs_open_sky/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hus679/how_do_you_deal_with_rain_when_youve_only_got_a/

Nylon vs. Polyester in Tents

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hs5zx9/anyone_using_a_lunar_solo_2020_edition/fy9ojo2

Common Knots for Guyliness:

https://andrewskurka.com/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/

How to calculate pack volumes:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8kx7zy/determining_pack_volume/dzf8lft

How much volume do you need for a pack:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bfrbjr/what_size_pack_should_i_be_looking_at_for/elfw95b

How to Store Gear:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ioagge/proposed_wiki_knowledge_base_article_longterm/

Why Quilts?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8t40s5/are_quilts_worth_it/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/7zuf9y/help_choosing_between_katabatic_alsek_and_nunatak/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/a7zowl/loft_and_quilt_temperatures_ugq_vs_katabatic/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/2y97ud/if_down_quilts_are_so_great_why_dont/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/7zuf9y/help_choosing_between_katabatic_alsek_and_nunatak/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/9m2yr9/why_do_so_many_people_sell_their_ee_quilts/

Synthetic vs down

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/jzdxyp/topic_of_the_week_week_of_november_23_2020_down/

On Quilt Layering

https://support.enlightenedequipment.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002770588-How-to-layer-quilts-for-sub-zero-camping

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/layering-quilts-and-temperature-rating/

Climashield APEX Temperature Ratings

https://ripstopbytheroll.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/234670887-What-are-the-temperature-ratings-for-Climashield-Apex-

https://support.enlightenedequipment.com/hc/en-us/articles/225766407-Insulation-and-loft

General Three Season Backpacking Clothes

https://andrewskurka.com/tag/core-13/

Down Jackets:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/fgwmle/down_jacket_indicator_v20/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/9p10sw/premium_ultralight_jacket_comparison_and_ethical/

Sun Protective Clothing:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/k3rlql/topic_of_the_week_week_of_november_30_2020_sun/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/g92kj7/gear_review_the_montbell_cool_hoodie_vs_the/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/inowwn/hot_sun_black_hat_white_hat_no_hat_umbrella/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

Sports Bras

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/all3hr/hey_ladies_whats_your_fave_ul_sports_bra/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/c3cprk/comfortable_breathable_bras_for_bustier_girls/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/awd1nn/front_closure_ul_sports_bra/

Packs for Women

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/7rgi3j/favorite_ul_packs_for_women/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/aiokjq/lady_hikers_whats_your_favorite_pack/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ggtesc/women_specific_packs/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6ock1o/pack_advice_for_a_female/

Pants for Women

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/b0mmmh/womens_hiking_pants_to_fit_smaller_waist_but_big/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/4foe4l/womens_lightweight_backpacking_pants/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/dh5b3w/womens_hiking_pants_for_thick_thighs_planetary/

Pants for Men

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/88qzpi/the_search_for_the_perfect_pair_of_travel_pants/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8hq7dm/ultralight_backpacking_pants/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/br91s4/pants_recommendations/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/lxlgfr/pants_recommendations/

Shorts for Men

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/decu8u/short_shorts/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8pcoma/mens_shorts_suggestions/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/b3j15y/shorts_shorts_shorts/

Camp Shoes:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hhoxgr/the_logical_terminus_of_the_camp_shoe_arms_race/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/h92sd3/xero_cloud_shoes_is_there_anything_lighterbetter/

Food

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/j5evhk/topic_of_the_week_week_of_october_05_2020_food/

Food Storage in the Backcountry

https://andrewskurka.com/tutorial-food-storage-protection-methods-bears-rodents/

https://andrewskurka.com/argument-against-hanging-bear-bag/

Cold soaking container comparisons

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6iuqco/cold_cooking_weight_of_containers_comparison/

Cold Soak Meals and Why

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/be8r0g/cold_soaking_ye_or_nay/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/a5zxs5/cold_soaking_recipes/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6xp8gr/cold_soak_stoveless/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6m6h53/cold_soak_no_cook_meals/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6ypshl/vegan_cold_soak_meals/

On Cooksets

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/60t7ch/ultralight_cook_setup_looking_for_resources/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/cefg9e/lightest_possible_overnight_cook_kit/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5l6ekj/determining_the_right_pot_size/

Cooksets for 2 people

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/82b56j/advice_for_cooking_system_for_2_people/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8e605e/best_pot_size_for_2_people/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/cywgrp/what_size_for_two_person_cooking_pot/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/740x74/help_me_put_together_a_ul_twoperson_cook_kit/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6mcx96/small_put_and_mutiple_boils_or_one_big_pot_for_2/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/dd6pud/cooking_set_for_2_recommendation/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hvjtys/2_person_backpacking_cooking_pot_ideas/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hj9dd2/ul_cooking_for_two/

Calorie/oz?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bay99g/food_calorie_density_question/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/9jrwyd/consuming_calories_on_a_budget_heres_the_cheapest/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/f6hnth/i_calculated_the_calories_per_gram_for_every_food/

https://efficiencyiseverything.com/food/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hxbwhz/i_made_a_backcountry_food_planning_tool_google/

What are different forms of water treatments?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/4w5wt9/convince_me_to_get_a_filter/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/3gji1q/what_do_you_use_to_filterpurify_your_water/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/60s4m4/follow_up_discussion_on_aquamira_drops/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ee8l72/aquamira_drops_vs_tablets_pros_cons_as_a_backup/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/2d7dyi/simple_light_water_treatment_what_do_we_think/

Water Management

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bc8mzm/smart_water_bottles_why/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/acyrn6/why_smart_water_bottles_specifically/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bykjs5/bladders_or_bottles_for_day_hikes/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/b5f8u5/why_do_ul_hikers_not_use_camelbaks/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/7vflo4/water_bladders_who_uses_them/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8jdtg3/camelbak_or_smart_water_bottle/

First Aid

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/isfzec/topic_of_the_week_week_of_september_14_2020_first/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/4x9df6/first_aid_kits_why_botherwhats_in_yours/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/4t6k1a/what_do_you_carry_in_your_first_aid_kit/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/88eei7/can_we_talk_about_dangerous_first_aid_philosophy/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6e01ik/ultralight_first_aid/

Why CCF Sleeping Pads?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5z221y/ccf_pad_users_why_what/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/983agw/ccf_on_top_or_bottom_of_air_pad_my_theory_science/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/awbp51/ccf_megathread/

What are some popular Inflatable Sleeping Pads, and how do you repair them?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/9afe7d/repairing_inflatable_sleeping_mats/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6sokpy/inflatable_sleeping_pad_advice/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ae10pd/inflatable_pad_vs_foam_pad/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/9cpou1/stuck_choosing_a_sleeping_pad/

Trekking Poles or nah?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5010fb/trekking_poles_i_dont_get_it/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/34ak42/i_am_100_ignorant_on_trekking_poles_help/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/a310y0/why_use_only_one_trekking_pole/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5tq85n/telescopic_vs_collapsible_trekking_poles/

Hygiene

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/j17cl7/topic_of_the_week_week_of_september_28_2020/

Winter Ultralight

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/j9o3ze/topic_of_the_week_week_of_october_12_2020_winter/

On Powerbanks:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/gmq3uq/hiking_power_banks_comparison/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/gkc446/meta_please_understand_these_basics_of_powerbanks/

On Tenkara Setups

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hru0xo/my_26oz_fly_fishing_setup/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/cpy9d7/120g_tenkara_fly_fishing_kit/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/hhkcf8/invention_idea_tenkara_fishing_rod_trekking_pole/

Leave No Trace (LNT)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/io2sep/topic_of_the_week_week_of_september_07_2020_leave/

Campsite Selection:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ifk6oy/topic_of_the_week_week_of_august_24_2020_campsite/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

Dealing with Weather:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ijtbdw/topic_of_the_week_week_of_august_31_2020_planning/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

Navigation

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/iwvfmp/topic_of_the_week_week_of_september_21_2020/

Caltopo 101

https://douchepacker.com/2016/04/28/quick-and-dirty-guide-to-making-a-map-in-caltopo/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2188-p_uFMY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNPCYmO5NZE&t=892s

Books about Backpacking and the Outdoors

https://pmags.com/an-outdoor-library-books-to-own

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ay2pj6/favorite_books_about_hiking/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/cd3xmm/books_that_capture_the_hiking_spirit/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6n4xos/favorite_books_that_get_you_in_the_mood_for/

SUL & XUL

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/jdwxux/topic_of_the_week_week_of_october_19_2020_pushing/

Where to Hike

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/kq48xa/topic_of_the_week_week_of_january_04_2021_your/

Ultralight Fails

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/klm8bi/topic_of_the_week_week_of_december_28_2020/

Multi Use items

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/khcx6z/topic_of_the_week_week_of_december_21_2020/

Entertainment on the Trail

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/kctgw5/topic_of_the_week_week_of_december_14_2020/

The Mechanics of Walking

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/k8ch8m/topic_of_the_week_week_of_december_07_2020_the/

Gear Storage and Maintenace

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/jzdk8w/topic_of_the_week_week_of_november_23_2020_gear/

Animal Encounters

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/jmjk5w/topic_of_the_week_week_of_november_02_2020/

Leukotape

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/lci28s/leukotape_k_on_wax_paper_out_of_the_box/