I would have to agree that the poll is rather vague. For instance, my lightest base weight does not include a bear canister which would put the weight closer to 16 lbs rather than 13. But I include all the little pocket things, cause I don't carry them in my pocket to start. Fishing gear is out as well. And for winter, I am talking being comfortable in the mountains of the South west US, NOT Canada. The only times I have done serious winter stuff, I didn't weight anything; I just said I need this, I need that, ect. ect. and loaded it all up. Except when with my dad. He just told me what to bring and double checked for it .