Wow folks!
Thanks for the warm welcome and kit compliments.

Pitchblend is a mixture of pine pitch, mink oil, beeswax, and lindseedoil.... great for waterproofing leather.

My gear isn't the lightest.. but I like it. If I were to go on an extended hike I would certainly shave it down "Haversack and bedroll" style.

Here is my Winter set up...

MOST of my core gear, extra clothes, 3-4 days food, sleeping bag, two tarps and 50ft of rope.(That will last me well over a week with a little foraging)

All together with water bottles full... 43lbs... not bad for the gear choices I have made.

I used to be an ultralight backpacker with an 18lb pack, but I find this more enjoyable.