Thank you Bee, for realism, and...for your calming influence.
My early backpacking days were similar to yours: 45 pound pack, with all the things I thought I needed...LOL...(65+ pounds with SAR gear). Now, after availing myself of the latest in lightweight gear (shock!) my one week pack is now about 25 pounds, including a 1.5 pound tent, 18 ounce bag, cushy pad, etc. As technology provides us with better and better products our pack weights will probably drop even more. While I carry a Spot device, I still resist GPS.
As we age (speaking for myself) less is more, but if someone wants to carry everything but the kitchen sink...more power to them if they can manage. (BTW, a certain, well travelled mountain lady here in Bishop always seems to carry a lot, but with yummy food and wine.)
But as for the tiny faction who would have us backpack nearly naked, I say, boooo!
