I'm by no means a lightweight backpacker by the standards of many here (I average between 40-45 lbs) but I do think one thing most member have in common is an interest in a lighter pack, even if it's not an ultralight one. Personally I prefer to be overly prepared and comfortable at the cost of more weight... just my preference. This includes packing (when legal) my .45 handgun at an additional 3.83 lbs. However, after decided on what types of gear I want to take, I do strive to find lighter options. I think there are plenty of people on this site to offer advice for both schools of thought when it comes to backpacking.