Lightweight Principals

Humans become less able to carry loads as they age, due to the inevitable deterioration of joint cartilage, and reduced bone mass. No amount of exercise or training can reverse these deteriorations (but the rate of deterioration can be slowed). Even if cardiovascular and strength fitness are improved, joint capacity, and bone strength remain limiting factors for backpacking.

At some point, weight becomes risk, too (Risk of falling, stress injuries, fatigue-induced faulty decisions, extra food to power all that weight up the hill). People heal more slowly as they age, so avoiding injury has bigger rewards. Previous injuries to a joint or tendon may forever reduce its load-carrying capacity.

Anticipating every possible condition is good training for beginners. But carrying gear for every possible condition is not the desired result of anticipation; it leads to overloads. Experts prepare for what they will probably encounter, and use the best possible gear for the job, while avoiding duplication, single-purpose items, over-preparation, and one-more-thing-itis.

Use your experience in campsite selection, anticipation of weather, and improving nutrition, as substitutes for carrying too much heavy gear. Consider the weight penalty from preparing for unlikely conditions. Using the brain more enables one to carry less gear. Experts reduce risk of trouble by using judgment, anticipation, avoidance, and flexibility, not by carrying every possible piece of gear.

Plan on wearing darn everything you brought inside the sleeping bag during the coldest anticipated night.

Eliminate unnecessary items, for a no $ improvement.

Eliminate layers of liner fabric if possible, as they are heavy, but add little to insulation. Consider carrying one higher-loft garment instead of layering two lower-loft garments. See notes on the "python parka" below.