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r/Ultralight
r/Ultralight
- The /r/Ultralight FAQ
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Frequently Asked Questions
- Searching the subreddit
- How do I use Google to search r/ultralight?
- How do I use Google to comparison shop/search items?
- Common shakedown recommendations
- Budget UL gear list - $800 & 6lbs
- Freestanding Tents vs. Non-Free Standing Tents
- Tents for Tall People:
- Tarps vs. Tents:
- Nylon vs. Polyester in Tents
- Common Knots for Guyliness:
- How to calculate pack volumes:
- How much volume do you need for a pack:
- How to Store Gear:
- Why Quilts?
- Synthetic vs down
- On Quilt Layering
- General Three Season Backpacking Clothes
- Down Jackets:
- Sun Protective Clothing:
- Sports Bras
- Packs for Women
- Pants for Women
- Pants for Men
- Shorts for Men
- Camp Shoes:
- Food
- Food Storage in the Backcountry
- Cold soaking container comparisons
- Cold Soak Meals and Why
- On Cooksets
- Cooksets for 2 people
- Calorie/oz?
- What are different forms of water treatments?
- Water Management
- First Aid
- Why CCF Sleeping Pads?
- What are some popular Inflatable Sleeping Pads, and how do you repair them?
- Trekking Poles or nah?
- Hygiene
- Winter Ultralight
- On Powerbanks:
- On Tenkara Setups
- Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Campsite Selection:
- Dealing with Weather:
- Caltopo 101
- Books about Backpacking and the Outdoors
- SUL & XUL
- Where to Hike
- Ultralight Fails
- Multi Use items
- Entertainment on the Trail
- The Mechanics of Walking
- Gear Storage and Maintenace
- Animal Encounters
- Leukotape
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/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:
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/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/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://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/layering-quilts-and-temperature-rating/
Climashield APEX Temperature Ratings
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/
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/
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/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/
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/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://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/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/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/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
On Powerbanks:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/gmq3uq/hiking_power_banks_comparison/
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/
Leave No Trace (LNT)
Campsite Selection:
Dealing with Weather:
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
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/
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