You know, sure that stuff was a bit heavier folks, but really, you're all picking on that pack, when really, I don't recall those packs being all that heavy or bad.. the sleeping bag on the other hand, I mean like today, I can't imagine carrying anything that big outside of deathly winter

I'm having a hard time thinking that really all of the difference in what I carry today is due to the gear. While my shelter is a lot lighter, it's usually a one man shelter and I always used to carry a 2 man pup and share. My sleeping bag is a *lot* lighter, and ok, my pack is too, but my old canadian tire external framer is not as heavy as a lot of internal frame packs. IMO a lot of the fact that the "good old days" were heavier is not so much my gear, but my experience. I used to take a much more complex (and heavy) kitchen setup (peak 1 stove, full mess kit) heavier food, more changes of clothing, socks, etc. 16 and stupid just isn't the same as 43 and stupid

(If only I could put my 43 year old mind in my 16 year old body...)