"-Baby wipes and TP? Pick one. Unless you have diapers to change or raging hemorrhoids, ditch the wipes."

This made me blow a snot bubble!!!

Thanks guys! That's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I'm trying to figure out how to cut back smartly. I fall into the trap of adding more and more and before I know it I'm carrying the store!

LOL! Something along those lines can be an issue sometimes. Guess I could use water instead of the wipes.

Seperate your stuff into two piles.

The must haves and the want to haves. Must haves always go. In the other pile, if you haven't used it, don't take it. If it hasn't been used in the past 6 months, don't take it.

My way of paring down my load.

Some duplication is ok, but only for must have items.

One trick I think is clever, but that I've never employed myself: Keep an inventory (you've already posted yours, so you can use that one). After a trip, put a mark next to all things you didn't use. Those things will stay at home the next trip...

... or not. Being prepared means that we hope we'll never use a bunch of the stuff we're bringing. But the emergency only-items are a special category. The majority of items we're bringing are not in this category.

Dual-use is another principle. Such as bring TP or baby wipes, but not both.

Thanks gang!! This over-prepping is a serious illness.

Get a fishing scale ( electronic) and weight your stuff.

Sierra saw might be unnecessary unless you plan to construct shelter with local materials.

I'd replace the AAA minimaglite with something better. I carry a 4Sevens Preon ReVO as my backup light -- same form factor, about the same weight, and a much, much better flashlight.

Are you carrying a cellphone or other means of communication?

I carry an extra beanie-type hat for unexpected cold.

After bandaids, the most commonly used items from my FAKs are OTC medications.

Do you have bug repellent and sunscreen? Sawyer makes a combination spray that's very small and light.

Good idea. An excellent excuse to buy fishing gear. LOL!