>>2573702How do you store your toothbrush when you go out? Honest question.
I really think the ultralight toothbrush handle trope started because of a dichotomy between people who were practical and boomer NPC’s who either refused to change or simply lacked the ability to do so. I don’t think it started as a way to save weight, though it’s probably that now.
30 years ago you couldn’t find pic rel. They’re ubiquitous now, but the internet didn’t exist and no one had them locally. At the time, people were starting to use lighter gear. Pack frames were disappearing, Ray Jardine had released his book, and tracking pole tents were becoming popular.
When asked in an interview at Trail Days what he thought was the biggest change in backpacking gear over the decades, Earl Shaffer didn’t hesitate before saying “Ziploc bags.” And that’s how everyone in the 90’s was packing their toiletries. The thing is, a full size toothbrush doesn’t pack well into a quart Ziploc. So, we cut the handles. At the same time, everyone was bringing less stuff and using lighter gear.
