All the people I backpack with develop "systems." Sleeping systems, eating systems, hydration systems, etc. This helps us to pare out all that stuff that doesn't fit in the system. An example is the sleep system. Tent? Hammock? Bare ground? Whatever system you decide on for that trip, leave the other stuff home. With minimal cash outlay, your sleep system should be under 9 lbs. With some better stuff, 6 lbs. I carry a 3 lb tent, 2 lb bag, and either a 1 lb insulated air core or a 1 1/2 lb thermarest.
Eating systems? I am a water boiler. That is all I cook. Heat water and add it to freeze dried or dehydrated foods. That includes drink mixes, coffee, food, everything. (In my case I do bring luxeries that are full weight such as trail mix and sandwich stuff) Others like better food than that so they have developed other meals that are lightweight but may require more cooking. All told, my eating system will run about 15 pounds for a ten day trip. A three day trip will be closer to 6 lbs because the stove and fuel still weigh in there. MRE's are way too heavy for backpacking.
Clothes add weight fast. You really need to watch this "system" to keep the weight down. Layering is the key. A moisture wicking base layer is the foundation, followed by fleece or some other lightweight insulation for the cooler evenings. For our high mountains I also carry a light down shirt for a third layer, and of course, a rain layer that also serves as the outer cold layer. Zip-off pants are extemely versatile as well. This serves me well down to 10 degrees. When packing, do you really need anything else? In my case yes, I like fresh clean socks each day. Merino wool of course, never cotton.
Hydration. How much water are you carrying? Do you need to carry that much? There is a plethora of good, light weight treatment methods available today. Filters, chemicals and ultraviolet methods that either kill or filter just about everything except the wet out of the water. I seldom carry more than 1 1/2 liters of water except in the desert. I carry several empty 1 liter pop bottles so when I make camp, I can filter enough water for that night thru the next days hike. Or if I have a long dry day ahead, I can load up for that. Checking with rangers about water conditions is a must when hiking a new area. The map might show a stream ahead but the map may be 20 years old and that stream dried up 10 years ago.
The "other stuff". A map and compass, a good knife, a backup fire starting method, a light source, and a first aid kit are essential, but only if you know how to use them. The "other stuff" is where weight sneaks in as well. Always carry the above stuff and if you don't know how to use them, learn fast or stay home. Personal medicine, hygiene, bear rope, bug juice are all important too but use wisdom in their selection. A cannister of Off is convenient but weighs a ton more than a puffer bottle of deet. A three cell D flashlight is a little overkill as well. You get the idea.
When you get home, check everything. Did you use it? Was it necessary? Or was I lucky I didn't have to use it so going to carry it anyway? Then throw out what wasn't necessary. What did you wish you had with? Did you really need it or just want it? Then weigh each piece of gear. Hmmmm my widget weights 3 pounds, Gear Gouger has a 2 pound widget on sale. Do I want to spend that much to get rid of a pound? Eventually you will reach a balance between what comforts you are willing to endure versus getting rid of more weight.
Hey, its a great sport. Even a fat old man like me enjoys every outing and spends all winter remeniscing about those trips. Above all, hike your own hike and enjoy.