Ultralight Bigotry

[Pennsy Camp and Canoe]

50 years ago I could practically run between howitzers with a 200# round on my shoulder, ultra light was the guy with the powder! Today if I carry 15# it's a big deal with a lot of stops but I don't want to go back and I'm very proud to be a wimp .

M110 8" eh?

[Irregularpulse]

I'm with those that don't think they're terms that are meant to be derogatory. Sure you could intend them that way but I don't assume that's the case. I lighten my gear every chance I get and wouldn't be offended by being called a gram weenie or whatever unless the intent was to offend and even then, I really couldn't care less about some random person I'll never meet on the internet trying to offend me, they won't.

On the topic of people, ultralighters or not, going unprepared intentionally, it's never happened to me mostly because I go solo but it's not my concern if someone has to go without because they didn't carry their own. I generally only carry enough for myself so if someone were to ask to borrow/share something then they'd be declined unless it were truly life threatening. I do agree that assuming a gram weenie is automatically unprepared is also a mistake. As we all know that's an experience thing and/or a conscious decision and isn't related to favouring a light pack.

You have raised a point that perhaps needs attention. Perhaps a term is required for those that refuse to reduce gear weight and prefer to carry heavy loads. Perhaps we can come up with some suggestions? Pound Packer comes to mind.

Jenny Craigers?

[SoaknWet]

That's them. The big boys.

[johnspenn]

It is all good...... opinions are like A**Holes.......everyone has one and reserves the right to be one.

And, of course, they all stink. Except mine =)

[TallPaul]

Bigger picture.. is there any backpack weight, from 5 lbs to 95 lbs, that doesn't have detractors and terms that could be construed as inflammatory to that group?

[PharmGeek]

Bigger picture.. is there any backpack weight, from 5 lbs to 95 lbs, that doesn't have detractors and terms that could be construed as inflammatory to that group?

Hmm - I think "gram weenie" has far more derogatory potential.

It is evident in this thread.

People anecdotally complaining about this or that UL person mooching on the "non-UL" person.

I suppose the "UL folks" can all joke about the people packing "more" weight a bit but there simply is no "fun" terms for someone with say a 29 or 35 lb pack that sticks much in my opinion.

In essence - I find the attempt at a broad equivalency problematic.

Gram Weenies therefore are the only clear persecuted minority surviving a persistent barrage of micro-aggressions or out right insults.

I demand equality of treatment for all!



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[cricky101]

The internet used to be primarily about sharing and obtaining information and news. It seems that now, in addition to that, it's as much about agreeing/disagreeing with outrage over how someone else acts/interprets the information. It's a downward spiral ...

[southernfire97]

Well we went through this with the term Noobs, Noobies et al.
Weenies? Gram weenies. Weight weenies. We are backpackers. Aren't they just terms of endearment?
Should hammock campers just hike with fellow hammock campers? Tent folk with tent folk? Cuben tarp people with cuben tarp people?

I have backpacked with ultralight backpackers and been an ultra light backpacker. Wiped with two squares of TP. Ick.
I've been a pack mule...slowing down the walk. Ugh.
Should pack mules only hike with pack mules....or Weight Weenies?
Gram Weenies (UL'ers) hike only with Gram Weenies.
Then the Light Hikers can walk fast and sparse. And eat their ramen and have no dessert and shiver through the night. Whilst cleaning themseves with 2 squares of TP and foregoing toothpaste.
The Weight Walkers can trudge on and enjoy their luxuries at days end. Using a half roll of TP with their morning constitutional. Eating high on the hog with ample dessert as they tuck into their tricked out hammock and overstuffed insulation. And huge tarp.

Hate to see you (OP) leave over this. We have obviously run out of problems in this hobby. Maybe the OP is just having one of those days.....wink.
I shall now start gloating about my sorta light but comfortable load.
Call me a Somewhere in Between Heavy & Light Weenie. Or call me a Hot Dog.
I'll accept it with pride and a sly smile and chuckle. I love my stool.

Shug

Well said, Shug.

[PharmGeek]

Give the man/woman a snickers - good trail snack too btw


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[MattK]

I will admit, O&B's original post rubbed the wrong way a bit.

I didn't take any offense at the gram/weight weenie. The wrong-rubbing bit came up when the broad assumption was made that everyone in that category (UL, assorted weenies) goes out ill prepared, mooching, unsafe, and obnoxious.

But honestly, I have no doubt O&B had some bad experiences, and that has steered him away from associating with a whole category of people. I have had my fair share with those who travel heavy. I have been on several trips with people who refuse to listen to any advice on their gear, then end up with a 40lb pack. I end up carrying some of their gear so we can make it to camp. We get there, they still don't have everything they need, like first aid, a pot, or dry socks to sleep in. But they do have that mallet for pounding in their 10" snow stakes and 12 cans of stew! I will admit, getting into the backcountry with people who are under prepared is no fun, and I understand the urge to avoid it.

This is where the ol' HYOY thing comes into play. I will end with a bit of wisdom:

In essentials, unity (hammocks are cool, wilderness is cool, gear is nifty)
In non-essentials, liberty (best materials, best companies, packing strategies, terrain)
In everything, charity (like, everything)