I have some trouble cutting weight. My "big 3" come to 13.5 lbs and I can't afford to cut those down right now. My total pack weight is around 40-45 lbs for a three night trip... and I'd like to get that down to 30-35 lbs (that would be featherlight for me) but it seems almost impossible, taking into my desired comfort level.

Big 3 = 13.5, additional equipment = 9.75, so 23.25 without food/water/clothes... and that's pretty much set in stone for me.

I carry 48 oz in my water bladder (I drink a lot), so that's another 4 lbs.

Then 6 lbs for food, 6 lbs for clothes (trying to cut both).

I guess some of us are just destined to carry a little more weight :-).

Edit: I am almost always the "team leader" and have the best equipment, so I usually carry the stove, first aid kit, etc.