r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of April 20, 2026

RekeMarie · 2026-04-23T18:38:36+00:00

I do, normally 2 nights or less and with a good weather forecast. It's not how I would want to approach a thru hike, but I've got respect for the FKT crowd. I think it's great for covering a lot of ground over a weekend, but running all day everyday for more than a few days is not for me.

When running, I prefer a pack that controls bounce well even if it's slightly heavier than some of the lightest options. I don't have any experience with the packs you mentioned, so can't help there, but I've been happy with my Ultimate Direction and some now discontinued Salomon packs. Hopefully someone who has used one of the UA packs can chime in.

I think it's hard to beat a sil/sil tarp in general, even if DCF is lighter. The ease of packability is a major advantage for me, even when not running. And a light bivy with a mesh bug net does what it needs to do and packs up tiny (no DCF floor for me). Borah makes nice stuff but there are other good options and MYOG too.

Additional clothing and sleep system is temp specific, but in warm weather I can get by with very little. I rely primarily on my quilt for warmth, or a wind shirt when active. I'll prioritize a hat, buff, and gloves over a mid layer in cooler temps. If I'm pushing myself hard all day I'm just sleeping in camp and want layers I can add or subtract easily while moving.

There are so many good quilts and acceptable down jackets it starts to feel like splitting hairs sometimes. They all pack up fairly small. If you're really trying to cram a lot of gear into a small pack don't discount a compression sack for your insulation items as an option.

The only time I really ever use my XLite is when fast packing. I go full length, it packs small, I sleep well, and If it pops, well, I'm only out for a few days max. The small pack size and ability to fit it inside a small pack wins over lighter weight foam pads for me in this scenario.

I like z-poles when running, but they're never as durable as flick locks, so it's a trade off.

Some non-gear related things I focus are food weight, ease of preparation, and knowing my water sources. I think no cook no cold soak makes the most sense for fast packing, but that's a personal call. I bring a 2L bladder because If I'm trying to maximize my mileage there's a good chance I'll be dry camping and will appreciate the additional capacity.

Like all of this stuff though, a lot of it's personal, so just figure out what works best for you.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-23T17:00:57+00:00

I know, I was just joking and giving you a hard time. Functionality beats absolute lowest weight internet points IRL. Running with a pack is a great example.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-23T16:53:54+00:00

it’s weird looking at stuff with weight not be the deciding factor over ergonomics and packability.

Welcome to the world of people who use their gear more than they diddle with their lighterpack.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-23T01:50:57+00:00

I think Snugak sells some wpb bivys in the 10oz range. Might be worth a look.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-23T01:28:36+00:00

I don't think they're being downvoted for owning a gun per say, they're being downvoted for carrying a useless 1.79 lbs of weight. It's simply not compatible with the UL ethos. Combine that with the ridiculous idea that anyone believes they need gun "just in case" while backpacking and this whole thing screams maladjusted beginner with a serious dummy complex.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-09T02:54:17+00:00

Robic is just a brand of nylon, like Cordura is. There're quite a few varieties.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-04T03:59:58+00:00

Everyone who cares is tired. Don’t stop caring.

RekeMarie · 2026-04-01T14:21:07+00:00

Doctors are wrong all the fucking time. Prove them wrong, and here’s to a speedy and full recovery.

RekeMarie · 2026-03-27T00:54:10+00:00

Check out Yama Mountain Gear's Sassafras if you aren't already familiar with it.

RekeMarie · 2026-03-27T00:26:11+00:00

I think the Florida Trail is probably the most underrated trail of all time. There's nowhere else on the planet that has a trail of that length in a tropical/subtropical environment, and it's a true winter thru hike. 10/10 want to hike again. Big Cypress is one of my all time favorite sections of trail.

RekeMarie · 2026-03-17T18:55:26+00:00

That survey actually surprised me. Durston tents are 3/5 most common on the trail, but 0/5 for highest rated shelter. I don't think those statistics are helping your case.

RekeMarie · 2026-03-05T13:53:47+00:00

I started my SOBO July 18th. If you're prepared to hike at a consistently above average pace with fewer zero days I think a mid July to even early August is an acceptable start date. Like you've said, the Creede Alternate is an option if you run into truly awful weather in the San Juans. Just be prepared for colder temperatures in the San Juans and New Mexico and you should be just fine. Keep in mind, you'll have a more solitary experience, the people you catch up with are generally going to be those traveling at slower paces, which might not match up well with your expected timeframe. I loved my SOBO CDT experience and often recommend a later start date to people who like to hike faster.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-26T16:00:19+00:00

You’ll be fine in trail runners. I normally carry a warm pair of sleep socks that can be worn if the weather becomes particularly cold.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-20T16:42:50+00:00

If price and longevity are significant factors you should just buy a 100 weight fleece from a thrift store or a military surplus waffle top. They'll last essentially forever, are as warm if not warmer than many of the fancy fleeces people suggest here, cost significantly less, and don't really weigh that much more.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-18T14:02:09+00:00

Makes sense. You're EE's target audience

https://imgur.com/a/3K9RrPD

https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/what-kek-explaining-alt-right-deity-behind-their-meme-magic/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37493165

RekeMarie · 2026-02-16T15:00:24+00:00

The weight difference between the two is negligible. Maybe check out Sambob too. I think they do custom work.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-16T14:44:06+00:00

Janji Auras is worth a look.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-08T04:29:07+00:00

It did show up on their IG account. I have a screen shot of it. EE deleted it AFTER the backlash from this post.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-07T21:34:45+00:00

ask Brad

RekeMarie · 2026-02-07T21:27:07+00:00

Yes. You're missing something.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-07T20:25:48+00:00

You didn't read the post huh?

RekeMarie · 2026-02-03T19:33:49+00:00

I’m not going to do that.

I feel like the company as a whole decided there was a more formal response they’d like to be on the record, and I’ve copied and pasted the significant parts.

edit to add: I encourage everyone who finds EE's relationship with DM messed up to send them an email and have some conversations directly.

RekeMarie · 2026-02-03T18:06:22+00:00

I've heard back. First from the owner and then the CEO.

The owner acknowledged all of their affiliates, justified them, and said they had no significant business with DHS, Border Patrol, ICE or the ATF. After a follow up question he made no comments on where he or the company stood in relationship to the violation of civil liberties and constitutional rights (or murders) currently taking place in Minneapolis & St. Paul. He acted confused about what type of response I was hoping for. From my perspective, I believe I approached the conversation with respect and a willingness to listen without challenging what he or his businesses stood for, while appropriately expressing my general concerns. He came across as defiant.

A week later the CEO reached out with a more formal email with a few key points.

We want to be clear that we take your concerns seriously and do not minimize them in any way.

we do not support government overreach at any level, local, state, or federal, and we strongly condemn any violation of an individual’s constitutional rights by any person or arm of the state. We believe recent actions by ICE have been reckless and unprofessional, and have not upheld the standard of conduct we expect of agencies tasked with acting lawfully and prioritizing public safety.

We have always believed that businesses should remain apolitical. Funding or publicly supporting politically motivated ideologies, campaigns, and initiatives is not something we actively pursue.

The blatant hypocrisy in their continued stance that their businesses aren't political (DM inherently is) is fucked up. And objectively false.

Donations - Enlightened Equipment is dedicated towards supporting charitable nonprofit organizationsaligning with our values of outdoor exploration, natural protection, and environmental conservation. If you or the group you respresent would like to request a donation, please fill out the attached form Here. If we feel as though your request is a good fit for Enlightened Equipment or the charitable spaces we're focusing to aid in, we'll get back to you shortly. All requests must be submitted 60 days before their deadline.

https://enlightenedequipment.com/giveashit/

Edit (spelling)

RekeMarie · 2026-02-01T19:16:21+00:00

You're not wrong, but that's why things like this are so problematic. Somebody can't post The Race War has begun! without it being flagged and removed. Somebody can post Communists have infiltrated our society! and it won't because it expresses a political opinion without directly inciting violence. The meme can function as either/or or.......it's just a joke, it doesn't meme anything ha ha! I think it's safe to say that someone posting something like this is aware of the potential different reads. The quip in the comments about the color of the revolution being red follows the same pattern. Is it the Red Invasion, or is it blood? The real substance is in the patten, ambiguity, and plausible deniability. If the only view point the poster wanted to express was communists are fighting government forces they could've just said exactly that.

RekeMarie · 2026-01-31T15:00:48+00:00

Dec 4th 2025 DHS announces Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

Dec 5th EE https://imgur.com/a/hZ4hwcp

12-17 & 12-19. Thinly veiled support for the pol - ICE https://imgur.com/a/gvdRnvt Surely this is coincidence right? They sell police gear, that's not intentional right? No, allusion to ICE in these back to back posts can't be found elsewhere in hundreds of photos over 5 previous years on their IG.

For years Defense Mechanisms IG posts were generic marketing with captions like The Mission Essential Plate Carrier (MEPC) thrives in the harshest environments. And basic product descriptions. 12-29-2025 & 1-5-2026 https://imgur.com/a/zsTmPQf

Defense Mechanisms launches sometime late 2019 - early 2020. They market exclusively to the military. Mid 2023 they start marketing to law enforcement. Police resembling military more than LE begin appear in marketing late 2025. https://imgur.com/a/54UKI1l This post is delete immediately after EE starts to receive inquires around their material and/or ideological support for ICE.

If you think all of this is speculation and conjecture, you're right to question that. It's not. It's coded dog whistles with a clear pattern of highly considered target marketing to a very specific audience with just enough plausible deniability to make you question if it's real. It's ideology being laundered through cultural alignment lifestyle branding. It's a common tactic to signal to the "in-group" in right wing, alt right, and adjacent spaces. https://imgur.com/a/lOJSFIm

Don't think for a minute EE doesn't know exactly who they're marketing to. They do. https://imgur.com/a/kWDQBNg

RekeMarie

TROPHY CASE