>>1223772>Arcteryx is a meme, get a $10 frogg toggs.Don't own Arcteryx, but frogg toggs fit like shit and are amazingly fragile. Maybe if you only do day hikes close to civ or bring it for emergency use, okay, but no way in hell would I trust that for any serious trips.
At least invest in something a little more robust, save money in the long run getting something that will last years of use rather than weeks. Doesn't have to be Arcteryx.
>build your own RayWayNever heard of this before, but after googling a bit: ~$100 in material + hours of sewing/measuring/tinkering for the pack? ~$80 for the tarp kit, another ~$85 if you want the net, and $10 for silicone to seal?
If you speak of customization and the hobby aspect of creating your own gear, no problem, but if you're talking about this saving you money, it doesn't until you are quite invested and experienced.
Fuck me, my Osprey pack was $200 and has unlimited lifetime warranty for any reason. To save $100, maybe 1.5lb, but spend multiple hours creating your own bag made from a cookie cutter that isn't really even custom? Wouldn't say it's an economical option unless you own a sewing machine, know how to use it already and value your time very little. If you do have all those, create your own custom bag and at least you can have something one of a kind.
On ultralight:
Base weight was 21lb on my last trip @ 0C temps and I carry a 5lb, 2man tent. Forget going any lighter than that. My winter work getup alone adds 40lb to me and I carry all that shit around 10-14hrs every day.
Practicing taking only what is completely necessary is an awesome thing, but really anything under 10lb is getting a bit ridiculous. My main reason to go lighter is to bring some fun stuff like alcohol, fresh foods to cook, fishing gear, etc.
