
Sorry for resurecting this thread, but I found it to be interesting*
I like the idea of the UL, but I fear for the fate of arm chair hikers. One of the reason I like this forum, is its brimming with outdoors people who are adept both in practical skills, and theoretical knowledge. As they say "Knowing is half the battle.", but
doing is the other half (not counting beer, beer is 5% of the battle

). All joking aside, there has to be a balance when it comes to ultralight. It has been shown that people can be very resourceful, and the more abilities and knowledge that they have the less gear they can do with. I just worry that some folks will over estimate their practical skills and knowledge, and be unsafe out in the wilderness.
I'm new to concious backpacking, as opposed to pack all the "usuals" in my backpack and run along hoping for the best. My perspective has changed from defensive, to active awareness. This philosophy fits in with the backpacks that I have I have. For the multiple night journeys where they geography isn't very technical I have the MEC Brio 60 which weights in at about 6 pounds. That being said I'm now more aware that the journeys that are technical require more agility and dexterity, and of course depending on distance and other factors such as weather, ect. a light pack will allow me to be more agile and manouverable on the trail. Lets take that same logic and hyperbolate it though, if the distance is long, and the consumable needs are greater, then allowing for more weight and therefore a larger pack is within reason. Just a few thoughts.