The most I will carry is about 35 pounds, and that includes water and food. And I weigh about 180---So in a worst case scenario I carry 20% of my body weight. And that is for a week on the trail.

A three day trip will drop the pack to about 25 pounds

My wife carries 20-25 pounds for all of our trips. But she weighs less than I do.
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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963