I agree with most here...it comes down to personal preference. Myself, my pack itself is 5.5 pounds, which I know is on the heavier side, but with all of my gear (minus food and clothes) I have it at a maximum of 14 pounds, 17 if I carry a full Camelbak) With food and clothes I am still under 25. To me, when I go out, I am not looking to have luxury...a tarp over me while I sleep and some sort of food in my belly is all I ask, but to some, they want to carry everything but the kitchen sink, and that's fine. My philosophy on those types of people is that it's not me carrying it, so I don't care. *shrug*

As far as ultralight gear goes, I would love to own more, but my wife only allows me so much budget for gear so I work with what I can get my hands on. Such as adjusting my gear for the heaver pack that I carry...