How heavy does your pack get? Mine for a 3 or 4 day trip is pushing 50 lbs- probably due to my cheaping out on the best equipment. I use an old camp trails frame pack so that adds some weight in the begining as it's not too light. I also like a tent to keep the bugs off and a tarp would be much lighter. On the other hand a bivy bag would only save about 3 lbs off a tent whereas the tent is mighty fine if it rains and you get holed up for a day or two. I tend to bring no cook foods as they save some weight on pots and pans etc. Instead I bring a tin mug that I can heat over a handful of twigs and make tea. The older I get the more ruthless I am about leaving stuff home.

the chef