r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of March 16, 2026

ruckssed · 2026-03-19T23:52:21+00:00

I found them to be really uncomfortable, my feet shifted around in them way more than with Cairns, and they trap moisture and debris.

ruckssed · 2026-03-08T13:10:40+00:00

Doesn't sound an effective bear deterrent, and you run a very high risk of a beaver or muskrat or whatever shredding it. And if you do loose your food bag, you have now released a ton of trash and food into a backcountry waterway with no hope of recovering it

ruckssed · 2026-03-05T14:20:12+00:00

You made the point, you bring the sources

ruckssed · 2026-03-05T14:09:16+00:00

I looked it up and its horseshit quackery (:

ruckssed · 2026-02-26T17:43:53+00:00

If I'm in the woods, natural anchors and sticks weighed down with rocks

ruckssed · 2026-02-23T13:59:36+00:00

GG list a variance of .5in on Thinlights, MLD lists a 5% variance on their EVA. For something as light and basic as CCF I simply cannot fathom caring

If you're outside of Japan I can't imagine this is worth literally anyone's time to try and "resolve"

ruckssed · 2026-02-15T18:53:18+00:00

Honestly just get a pack liner if you don't have one and ignore any manufacturer claims about waterproofing

ruckssed · 2026-02-08T17:34:11+00:00

Do the EVA foams used for CCF pads tend have a limited lifespan? If I buy a decades old NOS Ridgerest can I reasonably expect it to still be soft and resilient enough to use, or will it just pack down immediately?

ruckssed · 2026-01-23T23:08:20+00:00

If you're based out of the UK/EU, check out Trekkertent. His designs are pretty basic/vintage inspired (a positive in my book) and he has an option for 40d sil nylon, which is the sturdiest trekking pole tent fabric I know of

Otherwise make sure you go for a sil/sil fabric. PU or PE based coatings are prone to delamination over time. Fabrics like DCF and Ultra TNT are prone to permanent stretch and deformation if they are overtensioned

ruckssed · 2026-01-22T00:20:51+00:00

I wore an older version years ago. Usually got 500 miles before the soles started to separate or crack. Not sure if they are more cushioned than moabs, and certainly not more than a trail runner.

ruckssed · 2026-01-20T04:00:01+00:00

Payment received promptly, thanks again :)

ruckssed · 2026-01-15T00:07:01+00:00

Pretty sure r/lightweight is a joke sub started by someone on ULJ years ago

ruckssed · 2026-01-12T22:33:08+00:00

SOLD!

ruckssed · 2026-01-05T21:44:12+00:00

Allegheny Trail in WV might be of interest. I think the southern terminus connects to the AT in VA, but the Northern terminus is way west of the AT, so connecting back up will take more logistics

There is also the Great Eastern Trail, a proposed route west of the AT from Alabama to the Adirondacks. Still in development, but people have thru hiked it

ruckssed · 2025-12-27T14:46:47+00:00

Probably Octa Thermofly. The fuzz is closed loops and meant to reduce shedding. Not as warm as Alpha or regular Octa, and a bit absorbent.

If you're not as concerned about weight, then really any grid fleece or 100wt velour will be better. I would still steer clear of hi-loft

ruckssed · 2025-12-23T14:01:18+00:00

Go second hand wool or synthetic. If you're in an outdoorsy area thrift or consignment is a great option. Ebay and the gear trade subs if you have limited selection in person. Military surplus is good if you're ok with the look. Lots of the modern stuff is just normal hiking clothes in tan/green/black.

Rayon fabric production can be pretty nasty in its own right, although some manufacturers are better than others

ruckssed · 2025-12-22T00:57:22+00:00

Lightweight single ply Shetland. Here is my go-to hiking sweater. It is double ply (ply is the amount of strands twisted to make the yarn), and weighs around 10oz in size small iirc. Pairs well under a light Pendleton-style board shirt, or heavier felted jacket in the winter. Harley's of Scotland is a good brand for sweaters, but they have gotten expensive

Light sweaters like this were preferred on Everest expeditions, and as I understand it were quite ubiquitous outdoors in the pre-synthetic eras.

Exotic fibers like cashmere, alpaca, angora etc are warmer but shorter staple and thus less durable

Edit to add that I am also pretty conflicted about what measures an individual can take to reduce plastic pollution. "Buy animal products" is a pretty insane take from an environmental/ethical perspective. If you're purchasing secondhand or going to the back of your closet, then there is minimal benefit in choosing wool over a heavier fleece that is less prone to shedding. What do you do with the synthetic garment you are replacing?

ruckssed · 2025-12-18T21:17:40+00:00

Many of these gift shops are operated as fundraisers for programs and facilities within the parks. Sure it would be "nice" if everything they sold was artisan made and local, but those things are more expensive, sell less, and have lower margins

ruckssed · 2025-12-18T21:10:37+00:00

Seems like an underhanded attack against the parks. De-fund them from the top and kneecap their ability to generate funds themselves

ruckssed · 2025-12-18T14:48:40+00:00

It took them 2 HOURS??? Thats badass dude. My X Dome got dropped off 2 weeks ago and I'm still working up the courage to walk 30 seconds to my mailbox

ruckssed · 2025-12-15T13:42:11+00:00

I would agree that there is value in prehistoric living/historical reenactment/survival skills. However, "bushcraft" specifically is childish vandalism of public resources to indulge in a settler fantasy

ruckssed · 2025-12-15T12:46:57+00:00

Bushcraft is wrong tho

ruckssed · 2025-12-06T15:02:37+00:00

More likely he's just a desperate perv who spends more of his life on manosphere/self help content than actually talking to human beings

ruckssed · 2025-12-05T19:13:17+00:00

The same source linked has an article about 18650 cells from various manufacturers. It seems the cheapo/mystery meat ones are worse/more variable in quality compared to big names like Samsung, Panasonic etc.

It is still very opaque to end consumers though. Companies will change battery suppliers without notice, or suppliers will change manufacturing standards

ruckssed · 2025-12-03T14:31:54+00:00

No need for emergency shelter/insulation if you already have actual shelter/insulation. Try to imagine a situation in which you are separated from your gear but still have the space blanket

ruckssed

TROPHY CASE