I still carry around 42# when hiking solo and sometimes a little lighter- just depends. But if I'm going for a week or so it's become obvious to me that I can't do it like I used to and be comfortable. I raised a few pack goats. I don't use them all the time by any means but there are times that it's that or I don't get to go where I wanted to. Even then I carry 20#' or so.