Welcome to Ask an Outsider. We are here to answer your most pressing questions about enjoying time outside, like how to make outdoorsy friends, whether you can hike in jeans or how to reconcile a different risk tolerance with a partner.
This time, we have two questions related to ultralight backpacking: One about the difference between ultralighting and regular backpacking and another about maintaining a new relationship with a thru-hiker.
We asked Mary Ashley Krogh and Owen Chikazawa, better known online as MAK and Owen, to weigh in. The seasoned backpackers and full-time adventure photographers and filmmakers are no strangers to ultralight treks or maintaining long-distance relationships while travelling full-time. Read on for their perspective and tips.
Have your own thoughts about these topics? We’d love to hear them! Scroll to the end to weigh in with a comment.
Editor’s Note: These questions have been edited for length and clarity.
Dear Outsider,
When I think “ultralight,” I think minimalism. I think multiple uses for one item, improvisation and creativity. But does ultralight really just mean goose down, titanium, tiny LED headlamps and HUGE price tags?
Sincerely,
Ultra-skeptical
Dear Ultra-skeptical,
You’re right to ask this question. Because while the core tenets of ultralight are fairly agreed upon—a light overall pack weight with featherweight gear—backpackers have different methods and reasons for cutting ounces. It can be about minimalism, creativity and specialized equipment.
First, the gear. Ultralighters do often opt for down rather than synthetic fill, tents made with titanium parts rather than steel, and more compact versions of items like headlamps. And, yes, this technical gear often comes at a higher price point. But there are real benefits to using them. For thru-hikers, for instance, cutting weight is often necessary. Saving even a few pounds can really add up when you’re hiking thousands of miles over several months. Many of the ultralight kits I’ve seen have base weights (before packing food or water) under 10 pounds. With a pack that light, you can often cover greater distances with far less strain on your body than if you had a heavier setup.
As you point out, ultralighters also lean on their own creativity for trimming ounces without spending an extra dime. This can include cold-soaking food to avoid bringing a stove and fuel (the method involves rehydrating meals using cold water) or sawing off part of a toothbrush handle to save space.
There are also reasons beyond speed and space that might compel someone to go light, despite some possible extra cost.
While there are gear heads who simply love the challenge of creating a functional kit that is as light as possible, there are also people like myself who opt for some ultralight supplies to offset the weight of “luxury” items. I have a hard time sleeping in the best conditions, and it’s even worse after a sweaty day of hiking. I save weight by using an ultralight backpack, cookware and sleeping bag so that I can carry a more comfortable (and heavier) sleeping pad that helps me recover at night. Even though I end up with a heavier pack weight than I would if I had an ultralight sleeping pad, the benefits I get from a restful night of sleep make it a net positive for me. Likewise, people with chronic pain may choose light gear even on short trails as a way to support aching joints or sore muscles.
Ultimately, ultralight is a game of compromise and preference. Figuring out where you’re willing to skimp—and where you aren’t—comes with time and experience. The more you get out there, the easier it will be to find where ultralight principles or gear support your goals. Happy backpacking!
Dear Outsider,
I’m in a new relationship with a thru-hiker. He’s doing the Appalachian Trail in a few weeks to finish off his Triple Crown. I’m proud of and excited for him but anxious about the impact it might have on our new relationship. How do you maintain a long-distance relationship during a thru-hike when regular communication isn’t always practical or conveniently accessible?
Sincerely,
Going the Distance
Dear Going the Distance,
Wow, completing a Triple Crown is a huge milestone! I can only imagine how impactful and transformative that journey will be for him. Wishing him well on the Appalachian Trail!
The fact that you’re already thinking ahead will serve you well because preparation is key. I haven’t experienced this exact scenario, but I did spend a year away from my now-husband early in our relationship. I’ll share some pointers we picked up from that experience and from years of taking other trips that required extended time away from our families.
First, discuss how you’ll check in with each other while he’s on the trail. Communication is important in any relationship, but this is especially true when you’re not physically together. In my experience, predictability can matter more than frequency when you’re long-distance. My advice is to establish realistic expectations that work for both of you. Your partner may want days where he’s completely unreachable. After all, part of the joy of these trails is being disconnected. But your need for connection and check-ins to know he’s OK is also valid. Create a schedule—or as close to one as possible, given the lack of cell service on long trails—that works for both of you and try to make the most of the time you can communicate.
My second tip is to discuss your options for communication. Because service is often spotty or nonexistent on long trails, your partner might have to get creative. Fortunately, technology makes staying in touch easier than ever. When my husband and I go on long backpacking trips, we send our families a message from a satellite communicator each night to let them know we’ve arrived at camp and that we’re OK. It’s a great way to check in and put everyone’s nerves at ease. If your partner doesn’t have a satellite communicator, he may be able to text from his phone using satellite (some new phones have this option).
Lastly, your partner will likely take a few zero days (or 0-mile days) during the Appalachian Trail. Depending on where you live, you could meet him in a trail town to hang out while he takes a break or pick him up at a trailhead and take him into town. You can spend quality time with him and help him run errands. That kind of support (referred to as “trail magic“) is huge! You could even take it a step further by hiking a section of the trail with him. Who knows—maybe he’ll be the one supporting you on your Triple Crown next time!
Undoubtedly there will be highs and lows, but with the right mindset you will both breeze through this adventure and move right into your next one. Good luck to you both!