I agree with mulveyr. There is a point of diminishing returns where you trade big dollars for small weight gains. If you visit the backpacking forums you'll notice experienced packers don't do that because it is too costly. They work on the principle of "good enough" and making do. They also trade dollars for comfort sometimes, such as using a tarp versus a tent. That is a very personal choice. Minimalists may even just carry a bivy sack and a camping hammock. It is wise to start small, then add what you need if you want more comfort IMO.
Originally Posted by
mulveyr
One thing about the ultra-light lists floating around is that it can cost a heck of a lot more money to lose a few ounces of weight. Add up the costs of a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, cookset, etc, and you're starting to talk about some serious dough. If you're lucky, you can find some bits somewhat cheaper on sale - I got a new 20 degree down bag for $50, for example - but that requires a fair degree of time and effort.
And like in all things, ultra-light has downsides. Personally, I like having space to stretch out in, especially if I'm stuck in a tent because of bad weather. So I'm more than happy to take the 3-4 pound weight penalty of a freestanding tent with poles that's 75% larger than a tarp tent. Or of the extra weight and size of a 20 degree bag over a 40 degree bag when, as often happens, unexpected cold weather hits. There's nothing like waking up warm instead of shivering all night.