Nice to see these world collide here on HN!
Hope you don't mind me sharing the truly dirtiest trick of them all: when you realize you didn't hit that sub 10 lbs base weight, start marking them items as worn weight. What, surely that soaking jar can make a fine hat!
Seriously though, 40 liter backpack is palatial for front-country travel once I'm in the mindset of taking only the minimum necessary items and taking advantage of multiple use items.
You mention multiple use - that’s huge too. Shaving grams everywhere can add up to half a pound if you’re newer. Choosing the lightest of multiple options (lightest base layers, lighter cup, lighter pot) adds up to savings.
