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Not even tarp shelters, they told me. I met these backpackers in Kentucky, and noticed how light they were traveling. They had just spent days hiking along the river, sleeping in caves, and under rock overhangs. They were having a great time.
It got me thinking. If you ate berries and slept uncovered next to fires, you could call it "featherweight backpacking". This goes beyond ultralight backpacking into the area of wilderness survival trips. I may do a website on the topic someday. I'll let you know.
Knowing how to gather wild foods or go without shelters are good things to know in any case. You never know when you might lose your pack, or see your tarp blow away. Just knowing you can survive without
Honestly, I didn't need a shelter when I last backpacked in the Sierras. I never saw a cloud in 5 days. I slept under the stars on a two-ounce piece of plastic every night. I had a tarp with me, but I didn't need to use it.
However, unless you want your trip to become a survival exercise, I suggest that you always bring at least a plastic bivy sack. On the other hand, if you really know the territory, and there are caves along your route, well...
The Ultralight Backpacking Site | No Tents Or Tarp Shelters Allowed