Weight is that one gremlin that can spoil everything. Survivalists tripping over 100,000 rounds of ammunition and stacked boxes of MREs in the dark don't fare as well as the guy moving fast when illusions of black helicopters give way to the reallity of black tornadoes. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Just think of your own parameters.I expect to maintain minimal safety for 72 hours until the situation stabilises or I have additional resources. I may need to carry those supplies on my back, all additional resources stowed in a vehicle subject to the whims and wrath of my bugout antagonist. Backpacking guides are closely relevant with what people can actually pack. I can easilly hoist 50 lbs. Hoisting and walking are two different deals, and my real limit is @ 35 lbs. You get to know what really works and is needed out there. Some items I won't compromise on; my sleeping bag, extra ( and heavy) water, teddy bear. Others I've learned to eliminate; sextant, field surgery triag pocket set, grappling hook... The nice thing about your 8 lbs is you are better prepared by 8 lbs of critical gear than the guy without anything. Sometime take a little 'what if' excursion and see how you do.