I certainly will be reading the references you mentioned as well as anything else I can get my hands on. If I can shave off 10lbs then I'll be happy. I'm confident I could do this with a 20lb pack (although I'm dreaming if I think I could get away with that). I'd be happy if our packs were only 30lbs with gear and water.

This is why I'm here. And I had hoped to have time to read first before asking many questions. I'm sure the links and references found in this forum and on the left will answer most my questions.