The distance travelled, elevation gained and climate will probably dictate what I carry.
I prefer to use tarps over the bivouac sack. Been mountain climbing for 15 years in the northwest, British Columbia and Alaska and always hated the bivy sack since the first use. A tarp often works just as well or better and is a lot cheaper and more versatile. When the bugs come out I use a milspec bug net like we used in the Army.
Some of the heaviest things you may bring are the fuel, food and water. I stay away from bringing lots of fuel. In the mountains around here there is always a chance to camp near a spring, stream, river, lake, etc. Sometimes I will use iodine or water purifiers. My fuel is only for the coffee. Some of my partners over the years have expressed concern about me not bringing anything to “cook”. I guess it’s just how I fly. Cutting down on fuel consumption will lighten the load. I like to eat nuts, fruit, cheese, pizza, candy bars (clif bars whatever with fruit). If you can leave the stove and fuel at home then you just saved some weight.
Everyone’s going to have their own ideas of what’s correct/right. Kind of like a pair of shoes.
