Semi-Light Backpacking

I have a friend who would really like me to become an ultralight hiker. That would mean buying an ultralight backpack (44 oz.), bivy sack (21 oz.), and 900-fill down sleeping bag rated to 30 deg. F (21 oz.). Total weight: 86 oz (5 lb, 6 oz). This should lead to a full weight, with basic gear and two full days worth of food, of about 20 lb.

I've opted for the luxury of a free-standing two-person backpacking tent (88 oz.) and a synthetic sleeping bag rated to 25 deg. F (34 oz.). My backpack weighs 60 oz. Total weight: 182 oz (11 lb, 6 oz). With basic gear and two days of food, that should be 26 lb.

On my last trip, my pack was about 35 lb, which is 9 pounds more than it should have been. My camera weighs 40 oz and my fishing gear probably weighs about 8 oz. That accounts for 3 lb. I was still carrying 6 extra lb! Hmmm.

I've already told my friend I've given up on ultralight backpacking. I'll compromise and accept a "semilight" backpack of 26 lb. without the fishing and photo gear. I'll try to shave off 3 lb. on my next trip, then I'll be halfway there.