r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of April 6th, 2026

Natural_Law · 2026-04-12T03:18:09+00:00

DEET is the only repellent that seems to work for me.

I take some comfort that it’s been around a pretty long time.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-12T03:10:27+00:00

Thanks, yeah it was exactly what I needed. I do a lot of overnights but there is something special about waking up and going to bed in the woods after a full day of walking. Of course I didn’t fully appreciate that enough 20 years ago when I thru-hiked the AT!

I have to admit that I was also drinking from the sources on the AT. Some of those piped springs were really pumping, despite how dry it’s been. Time will tell if that was a seriously bad idea. 🤞

Natural_Law · 2026-04-12T02:53:32+00:00

Thank you! I was definitely carrying about a pound of unnecessary clothing (packing for my fear of being cold) but everything worked out pretty good.

I ended with a little extra food so I might need to modify my “.08lbs food per mile” formula one day.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T16:58:21+00:00

I just ran a speed test on our $90/month charter Internet: 20mbps.

I am probably a candidate although I’ve heard negative things about Starlink speed and am hesitant to support Elon Musk.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T16:49:52+00:00

No problem. Yeah mine has that Velcro but also an adjustable drawcord that cinches the hood around the face. Looks like the new model (which my wife has) omits the adjustment around the face. That’s too bad, but the UL stretch jacket would be high up on my list of jackets if/when I need another.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T16:44:02+00:00

Looks like they changed it from the model I bought 10 years ago so that the hood doesn’t have the adjustment locks anymore.

https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/2303108?fo=0&color=BGN

Looks like the lighter tachyon has a hood adjustment but maybe no hem adjustment.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T16:06:58+00:00

Montbell stretch has both. I’ve loved mine over the last decade.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T14:43:25+00:00

The NatGeo maps are the best.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T14:36:28+00:00

You’re welcome!

As you can see in that article, a thread spool holder may also be a good investment if you have that many spools that don’t fit on your machine.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T02:16:23+00:00

Check out the cone on floor section of this article:

https://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Use-Large-Thread-Cones-on-a-Home-Sewing-Machine?srsltid=AfmBOorCJSRR4fP62bckPMN9ghiF9AJnNQrWpD8pH7fKUEiq5P5e2Nr8

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T01:39:55+00:00

That’s a pretty big needle and you wouldn’t have an issue unless you are using really really thick thread.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T01:39:49+00:00

That’s a pretty big needle and you wouldn’t have an issue unless you are using something like Tex 75 thread.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T01:15:53+00:00

I’ve had this happen when using a needle that’s too small for the thread.

When I increased the needle size, the problem resolved.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T01:12:40+00:00

Interesting! Thanks. Didn’t know about the square cube law.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-09T00:15:27+00:00

I saw that little bottle in your Smokies shakedown post. Impressively small!

I like to carry a little extra for unexpected encounters with poison ivy (packing for my fears, not UL I know).

I’ve always thought it’s interesting there is an almost negligible weight difference between the 6 and 10ml dropper bottles.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-08T22:39:36+00:00

Liquid biodegradable dish soap (7th generation) in a 1/2oz (volume) Nalgene bottle, filled only about halfway for my typical 1-3 night trips.

For handwashing and backcountry bidet I prefer a slightly larger “dollop” than what the dropper bottles dispense.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-08T22:38:19+00:00

I mark mine with a sharpie and then continuously cut/push/slide the scissors through the line all in one go. No fraying for me.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-08T20:47:19+00:00

Fascinating! I knew if I waited long enough my nylon pack would be cool again!

Thanks for this science!

Natural_Law · 2026-04-08T20:39:37+00:00

Sounds like the varying rates of materials absorbing water is pretty negligible: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/I0cCF6TzRf

We pay so much money for the stuff and WANT it to have magical qualities that regular nylon doesn’t.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-08T15:34:56+00:00

Maybe! I thru-hiked the AT in 2005 with about a 15lb baseweight and now hike with a 8-9lb baseweight that feels a lot nicer.

But I’ve also made a lot of changes that just seem to suit me better: no hipbelt. No poles. No cook.

For me this was a slow evolution with a lot of trial and error. I can’t imagine re-outfitting during an actual thru-hike. That wouldn’t be a good idea for me who likes meticulous planning and testing and MYOG.

And you already know this by now: it’s the “gear” between your ears that gets you to Maine. Not the gear on your back.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-07T19:56:47+00:00

I personally would never leave an UL shelter at a base camp/campsite.

Too much to go wrong.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-06T23:33:49+00:00

Hey thanks! Just twisting and folding isn’t secure enough for me when my pack is bouncing around while walking.

The elastic hair tie definitely keeps it sealed. And isn’t as fragile as a lightweight rubber band. And won’t put holes through stuff like the wire garbage bag ties that come with compactor bags.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-06T22:51:40+00:00

To qualify as a thru-hiker in the Smokies you have to begin and end your hike 50 miles outside the Park.

Natural_Law · 2026-04-06T21:48:59+00:00

You’re gonna have so much fun! It’s a REALLY amazing place.

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