The "just in case" approach is often not a single big mistake, but the sum of many small decisions that end up adding weight and volume without providing a real benefit. Ultralight hiking is not about carrying the bare minimum, but about making better decisions.
• Separate risk from discomfort.
Many things are carried out of fear, to avoid mild discomfort, not because of real risks. Weight should be reserved for covering impactful failures (water, cold, breakages), not for improving minor details.
• Think in terms of failures, not objects.
Don't ask "What if this breaks?" but "What kind of failure can occur?" A small, well-thought-out kit covers several scenarios better than multiple "dedicated" items.
• Evaluate probability × consequence.
If something is unlikely and its consequence is low, it usually doesn't warrant the weight. If it is likely or the consequence is serious, then it does. This rule eliminates a lot of "invisible ballast."
• Review what you never use.
If an accessory hasn't been used on similar routes, it's not essential: it's a candidate to be left out or only included when the context changes (weather, duration, isolation).
• Optimize the system before adding weight.
Many "just in case" items appear because something is uncomfortable: poor organization, slow access, or inflexible gear. Adjusting the system often eliminates the need to carry extras.
Ultralight hiking is not about carrying less for the sake of it, but about eliminating the unnecessary so that the important things are in place.
In ultralight hiking, accessories are best evaluated by function, not by commercial category. Separating them into these four groups helps decide what to carry and what not to.
1) Safety Accessories
They cover failures with high impact: potable water, minimal shelter, basic orientation, critical lighting. If the failure is serious and relatively likely, it deserves weight, even if it is used sparingly.
Example criterion: do not duplicate safety, but ensure that a solution always works.
2) Protection Accessories
They prevent the system from failing prematurely: dry bags, covers, protection against abrasion or moisture. Light protection often saves indirect weight, as it prevents breakages, moisture, or losses that later force improvisation or carrying more.
Here many "ultralight" accessories are well justified.
3) Repair Accessories
They allow you to continue the route when something fails: patches, adhesive, needle/thread, mini tape. A single small and well-thought-out kit replaces many "just in case" items. Repair is what allows reducing redundancy without increasing risk.
This category is key for truly traveling light.
4) Comfort Accessories
They improve comfort, efficiency, or enjoyment, but do not prevent critical failures. If it is not used daily or does not clearly save energy/time, it is the first place to cut weight.
They are not "bad," but they must earn their place.
Thinking this way avoids accumulating accessories and helps build a light, coherent, and reliable system.
