I guess the 2 lb Busse knife I pack is outta the question, then???

For me, it all depends on the situation. There's been plenty of hikes where I've only packed the multi-tool. Then there've been hikes where I've strapped on the Ruger Super Redhawk across my chest.

You take what you think you'll need. The hikes I dread the most are the ones with the 30-40 lbs of rope added to the load. For some reason I am always the one volunteered to add it to my pack.