I have been typically carrying a pack that weights about 30 pounds for weekend trips in relatively cold weather. I generally think of my weight limit as a 35 pound pack. If I am hunting/larping I generally carry most of the extra gear that comes with that in a chest rig or on a belt, but I will set my limit for that at around 45 pounds.

I see the ultralightweight backpackers with bags that are 20 pounds, 15 pounds, even 10 fucking pounds. How do they do it? Yes, obviously they pack lighter and less shit, but when I pack for a short trip, I pack for longer just in case. I used to be the absolute worst offender when it came to packing shit I don't need. My first backpacking trip ever I had a 75 pound pack, then a 60 pound pack, then 45, and and even lighter as matured and learn and stopped being a fucking retard for the most part. I had been carrying a tarp with me up until recently, and I never use it since I use a bivvy or hammock which has its own rain fly anyway, so I will likely stop dragging that tarp along with me.

I live in the south during the summer time, using usually a bivvy or a hammock, I will generally have about a 25 pound pack. Lighter is obviously better, but how can I lighten the load without sacrificing needed gear. I see people who hike the Appalachian trail with no first aid whatsoever, not even so much as a band aid. They have 1 set of clothes, maybe 2-3 pairs of socks/underwear. A hammock w/ lightweight af sleeping bag, food/water. Usually no water purification method whatsoever. Its not like that shits even heavy anyway.

TLDR: How do I pack lighter without sacrificing shit I need.