All good points, thanks. After that stream-crossing trip I did decide to reduce my load. I got a lighter backpack and summer sleeping bag, and will take my lightest tent next time. I MAY give up fresh fruits and vegetables, but that will be hard. :-))) I'm new to light packing and need to fine tune quite a few things. Yes, it can feel great to cool off your feet, but at times I encountered a stream every 15 minutes. "Tedious" is the word.

One thing I really don't understand is how you can have healthy feet after several days of wet shoes and socks. I've always considered dry feet to be essential.

I take the pack off and put it on using my knee. I found myself resenting the stiff Baltoro padding and appreciate the softer Jade 50 padding.