As every winter camper knows weight is a problem with winter gear.
>More clothes are needed
>More food (more calories) is necessary
>More fuel (& generally heavier stoves)
>Thicker mattresses (R4 at least & R5 for 0 F.& below)
>Heavier sleeping bag
>Heavier boots
>Bigger, heavier pack &/or a pulk
>Bigger, heavier tent (usually double wall)
>Over-snow aids such as skis or snowshoes
etc., etc.

And because winter camping has inherent dangers one must prepare for the worst in weather with extra clothes and sleeping gear.

SOOOO.... for safe winter camping here's what I thunk of to help lighten the load:

1.Down sleeping bag - if you can affford it
2.Ripstop VBL - keeps sleeping bags dry AND light
3.BushBuddy or Caldera Cone Inferno conversion to utilize wood
4.Silnylon double wall tent - like a Scarp 2, etc.
5.Synthetic batting shelled insulating layers instead of pile - i.e. Climashield, Primaloft, etc.

Any more suggestions?