I don't think that "phase" is the right word. I'd instead say "learning process." I got down to an 8 pound BPW. But then I got old and- as just one example- sleeping on a 1/4" CC pad got annoying. So I have learned what I consider to be worth the weight. Another example: I love my pyramid tarps- they're a bit heavier but also more bomber than a flat tarp, less fiddly, and require less thought. So my BPW- stripped to the bones- is about 12 pounds now. Hell, I'm considering a McHale pack, now. I've been going on longer trips and the food weight is catching up to me, plus I like the idea of a pack to my persnickety specifications that will last the rest of my life and probably be in my will.
