I used to walk over mountains with bottom barrel gear, canned food, and old Army boots. My entire setup probably weighed 80 pounds. But I'm a middle aged man now, with a lifetime of injuries, and a desk job. I'm definitely going for all the UL gear I can get my hands on. My big 3 are only 6 pounds now. My full pack weight without food and water is under 10 pounds, and I love it.