>>774958I agree with most all of this.
But in the end, talking about gear is fun, and the people who say "You NEED an ultralight this, you CAN'T hike without super-quality that" are probably either:
a. Privileged enough to have the means to spend heavily on these things or
b. Ass hats who don't know what going "outdoors" really encompasses.
You don't NEED anything spectacular to do any given activity. The bare-bones will probably suffice you for as long as you like, and even then if you don't want to get something better you don't have to.
Just doing the activity doesn't make you part of some super revered social club, just like owning the 1.5oz super stove doesnt. It's just discussing things you liek to do, so dont do it just to be part of the club.
