Pika,
I am with you on pack weight. Except I started out light because I di not have the gear, then went up to about a 45 pound base weight. At age 50 I started down and now have settled into about a 12-15 pound base weight depending on the season and trip.
I can drop the base weight to about 8 pounds, but have to give up the hammock or thick pad and eat from a bag.
It is dangerous thinking that gear keeps you safe in the backcountry. What keeps you safe is:
Knowlegde,
Experience,
Common Sense,
Positive attitude,
Fitness, and
Awareness.
Gear is convenient and can make you comfortable, but safety is an attitude.
Now ain't that the truth Dick! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> This should be the top 'Sticky post' for the Beginner's Forum IMO! All in favor post a a yea <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
As far as age and gear goes, depends on the fitness level and all of the above related to the individual in question; as well as the Region/area IME as to how one fares in the backcountry.
Summer range is generally 3-5 days 25-35lbs with full gear and 2 qts of water onboard. Spring/Fall more water and warmth and food <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Not quite the Winter hound any longer.
Like many have said, duration of trip, and specific interests and needs dictate what's in my pack. You may have digital gear, me my binos and a bird book, or not.
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