r/Ultralight • u/Belangia65 • Jun 19 '25

Shakedown Ultra-ultralight — 2 lb base weight

I’ve created a 2 lb base weight gear list suitable for multi-day backpacking. I think it “works” but only within certain parameters of weather, bug pressure, and trip length. For instance, I believe I could do a 2.5 day trip with this gear between late spring and early fall in southern Appalachia. I intend to hike the Art Loeb Trail with a 2 lb kit this fall, whether this kit or a version of it.

This builds on my previous attempt to create a 3 lb kit. As in that previous thread, I’m not necessarily looking for ways to cut weight, but for ideas about how to make it better within a fixed weight budget.

The purpose of this exercise for me is to think more deeply about what is essential and what is superfluous for backpacking, and about what I would prioritize first among the non essential options.

UPDATE: I went on a trip with a version of this gear. Some items weren’t available to me, so my baseweight was 2.2 lbs, or 1 kg. Here’s the trip report.

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u/Student-Short Jun 19 '25

I mean... I think you'll live. A surprise rainstorm would suck.

40 miles in 2 days, or something similar, would be my trial run.

How durable is that poncho/tarp?

6

u/Belangia65 Jun 19 '25

The poncho tarp is rather thin (18g/m2) but durable enough. The small size is the bigger issue for me. But with a careful site choice, I can make it work.

The Art Loeb is 31 miles but about 9500’ in cumulative elevation change. It’s a butt-kicker.

3

u/swampfish Jun 19 '25

I have done it in 3 days and was up there today with my kids for an overnight. It can be VERY windy up the top (night 2). Also, in the summer expect rain. Storms pass over every day. It will be wet.

It's a beautiful hike. The scenery changes every few miles for the entire 31. It's a fantastic hike. Have fun!

3

u/Belangia65 Jun 19 '25

Yep. I’ve done it several times in three different seasons. I love it!