I am going to back it up and give some observations from the very middle of the road.
1. On my first backpack trip, my pack weighed 42lbs. My experienced buddies examined what I carried, and immediately noted that by not studying my water sources (thus carrying the WHOLE lot for the hike) I had added about 8 lbs extra. A maglite could easily be replaced with a very light headlamp. The basics.
2. Down the road, stoves became refined, cooking gear was traded up for lighter versions, food was re-packaged, More expensive but lighter down was purchased, etc
3. When I went on a trip with Steve C. & Bob R. I REALLY picked up some tips. One of them was that a lot of weight could be traded off with only small loss of comfort. ie, on a short overnight trip to the summit, I was able to leave behind the thermarest and just pack the Z-rest. Also, I left behind a heavy groud cloth for a hefty bag from the store. A safe amount of water was carried in reserve, but the consumption for the trip was drank en route. Instead of a tent, I used a bivvy. However, I still had a down parka & pants, thermals, booties, gloves, hat, raingear -- survival gear that could not be compromised.
4. The most interesting revelation was that I rarely needed TWO camera batteries -- especially when I only take about 5 pix per trip. I was very appreciative of Bob R's review of my gear.
I would scoff at being labeled anything but just plain ol trekker, BUT, I would never turn down the opportunity to improve my trip experience, and if that means help with lightening my load, than by all means offer advice.
I think folks are all in a bunch over labels (such is life) so that all nuance has been lost...Youre either WITH us or AGAINST us. Just plain silly.
