BigAura

I think it comes down to comfort, people carry what makes them comfortable. To some that may mean bringing an extra set of clothes, more tools, more cookware, a larger tent, or even a laptop. To others comfort means a lightweight bicycle that feels minimally different than what they ride at home.

What I notice is that most people doing ultralight are out for shorter times: a weekend, maybe a week or two. Very rarely do I see self-supported ultralighters on the road for months, and the ones that are generally mix in a good bit of credit-carding (using hotels/warmshowers, eating at restaurants).

For me, sleeping in a bivouac, eating out of a cup, wearing the same clothes day & night gets old. But I hardly notice any weight on my bicycle after two-weeks on the road.