I carry the kit I do because I enjoy using it. My pack rarely tops 20 lbs total and at 46 I'm really unwilling to carry much more than that. There is a point where carrying certain pieces of kit is far more economical in terms of energy output than conjuring it up out of the bush. A prime example is shelter. I have made some really nifty bushcraft shelters in the jungle, raised bed frames etc. They work great, keep you out of the creepy crawlies and give a decent nights sleep. My Hennessy hammock does the same in a few minutes. So there is a point that you may carry less but end up doing a great deal more actual work to achieve the same result.
