To be fair, I did not count in my 25 lbs, 2 full water bottles nor my rear rack. It always comes down to choices and compromises. For several years I toured with a <3 lb tent but for only 1 additional pound, I get so much more tent and greater comfort. Yea, I own a really lightweight mattress but for an additional 8 ounces, I get a large full size mattress that is comfy and warmer. As I may have mentioned before, I tour with a fine fellow that always carries a foldable chair which I prefer not to carry, but yet I'm always envious when he pulls that thing out in the evening when we're sitting around a fire. Choices