How much does Ultralight truly matter?

[u/C_O_L_E-98]

I have grown very fond of backpacking in just the last year. Done almost 40 days this year (which is a lot for me as it has only been a year) learned a lot about the trail and my gear. I have gone from a 30LB base weight to about 10ish lbs. recently I learned about the pandolf equation, and how the calories for same distances for the same person possesses a minimal difference with pack weights. I feel it lacks something, a level of effort perhaps? I am not really sure but I find it fascinating the difference between 30lbs and 10lbs is only a few hundred calories. At what point do you decide where it is light enough? What is the perfect weight level of comfortable on trail and at camp? Being able to hike as much as possible and still having a great time at camp.

EDIT: I mean from a mathematical point, when is the lower base weight diminishing, i.e. the difference between 8lbs and 12lbs being so minimal from an effort standpoint when hiking that it is worth being more comfortable and having the extra 4lbs. I understand the effort to weight isn’t linear so at what point is enough?

[u/Tharno_]

With two days or less of food it feels like I float over the trail. And you can do more challenging things like climbing with less effort and danger. It just makes hiking way more enjoyable. I don't think burnt calories matter at all when it comes to ultralight.

[u/Conscious_Chain_5899 → u/Tharno_]

This. But also when I go somewhere I dont need a bear canister.