The news release in the original post doesn't tell us what the rescued were carrying. All we know is that they were not prepared for what they encountered. That can happen at 0 pounds, at 5-12 pounds and at 70-80 pounds.
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The term "Ultralight" is a lighter version of something that works just as well as the heavier version.
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That's a great concept, but few people who drink the ultralight kool-aid practice that or are capable of practicing that. (People who look for shortcuts tend to take them.) The example of a tarp tent shows this. A Cuben tarp may "work just as well" as a heavier cotton canvas tarp, but few people can use a tarp adequately in blowing rain and snow. The evaluation of "just as well" seems to happen in the weather on the trail for some who think they are practicing ultralight. Tarps may be "good enough" for people who are practiced in their use, but that isn't sold in the stores with the gear. Ultralight works best for people with the experience, judgement and discipline to watch the weather and cut and run when conditions might exceed the capacity of their experience and gear. Few of our ultralight advocates market those qualities as well as they market their gear picks and lists.
Dale B Dalrymple
