I still remembered the first time I went backpacking. Like a lot of people, I carried a 5 pound backpack, 9 pound tent, a 4 pound sleeping bag and literally all the warm clothes in my closet. I literally brought an thick H&M sweater, I kid you not. I still managed to fall in love with backpacking despite of the weight and over time, my pack got lighter and lighter. At first, my strategy was to throw money on it, buying ultralight gear. When I started the PCT, I learned ways of being ultralight without breaking the bank.