Paul810,

I think you hit the nail on the head. I organize a group of about 730 backpackers and with myself and all the organizers we are out 3 to 4 times a week. Exactly what you said. Ultra light is great if you have the experience and take just what you need.

On a side note it is a continuing education to watch what some people bring on hiking trips....just for fun:

Multipe paprebacks for pleaseur reading that no one ever reads for lack of time. Makeup and lots of it. Four person tents for 1 person. Walmart flanal sleeping bags. 2 burner coleman stoves with an extra canaster of gas. Colapsable buckets. A hatchet, Axe, Machete, hunting knife, pocket knife, multi tool all at the same time.

I hate to say it but we have been in crunches before where weather turns really bad and we have split up other peoples loads just to speed up getting out of the woods. This is really the wrong thing to do prefrably let them hump it out and learn to pack lighter next time.

Ok I am just venting now.

Bottom line I agree completely with Paul810