(CPOL) Cost per ounce lost

[Amelander]

My Superfly weights: 19oz. The HG cuben winter weight 6.5oz.
My Superfly costs: $130. The HG cuben costs $299.

Difference in weight: 12.5oz
Difference in cost: $169

Cost per ounce lost(CPOL): $13.52

This is a simple formula I use to calculate whether or not something is worth it to me personally. To put it in perspective the CPOL for my Hammock/Tarp vs Tent is $1.07. The biggest CPOL I bought was TQ and UQ which was a crazy $8.35 CPOL.

Until the cuben gets in the area of 5-7 I dont think Ill ever have one.

What's your CPOL limit? I am curious to also see whats the most you have ever spent for an ounce lost?

[Cannibal]

I guess I don't have a CPOL limit.
If I actually thought about gear purchases in those terms, I'd probably still be carrying sil tarps. If it is worth it to me, I buy it. More preference than budget since I can always skip a couple of purchased lunches a week to save up for the next I-gotta-have-it purchase.

Not a bad idea though. Might make me pause a little more often.

[Balkan boy]

My problem is that I can rationalize pretty much anything to myself and then live on bread and water until I can afford it.

Weight isn't a great concern for gear I use, but durability and performance are. There are limits however. For example, I always ask my self if I deserve that object and will I be using it to it's full potential and to my fullest satisfaction.

I believe you call it Need vs. Want in America.

[JalapeñoBen]

I kind of rationalize it in total ounces lost per item bought. So like you said, that CF tarp is much more expensive, but a huge weight savings. Lucky for me I can't afford it, but a CF tarp is next on my list and one of the last things to truly dial in my setup. I start with things I can afford, like cook kits. My total weight cook kit is under 2.5oz (without fuel) and cost less than most Ti pots by themselves.

[Angus in Wyoming]

That kind of information is information I usually don't want to know. Long range target shooting is one of my too expensive hobbies. Once I bought a new gun that cost 2X what my previous gun cost. It took me two years to shoot it as well as the cheaper one, and I am not sure it shoots any better than the cheaper one. Sometimes, for me, ignorance is bliss.

[packeagle]

My Superfly weights: 19oz. The HG cuben winter weight 6.5oz.
My Superfly costs: $130. The HG cuben costs $299.

Difference in weight: 12.5oz
Difference in cost: $169

Cost per ounce lost(CPOL): $13.52

$23.92 is what i would calculate the cost per ounce lost. You could bring this down by selling the superfly. Say for 100+shipping, this would make your cpol $15.92. If you didn't already have the superfly I would agree with your calculations.

I feel the way I calculated is a more fair representation. If you don't have a tarp the cost per once lost would be less because you are only including the difference in price (superfly vs cuben). If you own a tarp then the difference in price from something you already own and the new item is the entire price of the new item making the cpol much higher. It's another case of where the, "buy nice or buy twice" motto rings true and saves you in the long run.

[ShadowAlpha]

I'm so bad at match that looks like a different language to me. I'm with Angus - I'd rather not know.

I look at it this way.. if I have double items IE 2 hammocks & tarp. I can always bring a friend to the dark side.

cool calculation - might be helpful for many!

[Les Rust]

My Father-in-law is a retired professor of economics and statistics--he usually bases his calculations on cost/use. In other words, its fine to pay a steep price for something that is going to get lots of use and will last for a good while. One has to use the item frequently to warrant the corresponding expense. In terms of cost it is a good way to approach things.
On the other hand, there is a cost in physical exertion and pleasure when one is carrying too much weight. That calculation is based solely on one's personal preference, and varies greatly from one individual to the next.
So the question of how light to go is connected to how much it lightens your wallet as well.

[packeagle]

As a response to op's question. I try to figure out where my money is best spent on reducing overall pack weight and increasing comfort and functionality, but for me it's not a mathematical calculation.

I will say that I am in the 10-15 dollar range for the time being.

There are many other factors to be calculated into an informed purchase. Examples would be durability, packed size, ease of use, and comfort. A 2' wide hammock would be cheap and light, but it wouldn't be comfortable. Its all a game of compromise when selecting gear, cost and weight are only two factors.

[MAD777]

I calculate the CPOL. If I already have an item, I approach it like packeagle.

However, I generally use it to decide between two alternatives to buy - not whether to buy or not to buy.

Years ago when I decided to first lighten up, I was spending a bit less than $10/oz. Over time, the law of diminishing returns sets in. I'm now trying to stay under $30/oz. I'm shaving grams now!