I use a M70 EW in 300 WSM with Talley lightweight rings and VX III 2.5-8 Leupie. It weighs a shade less than 8 lbs and shoots 180 Nosler Partitions into 1 MOA. I tried a few lighter rifles but find I like this rifle as it sits. I can live with an extra 6-8 ounces on this one.
I normally camp along some type of road access with road being loosely defined and hike in from there. I just about never find elk within 1.5 miles of the trailhead/road. On average, I hike 2-2.5 miles in, then start hunting. I tend to be at a spot at daylight, hang out till 10 or so, then still hunt to/through bedding areas during mid day, then find a suitable afternoon sit, sit till dark than head out. It makes for a long day. I'd say I average 10-12 miles in a day and 12-1500 feet in elevation. Some days more miles, more elevation, some days less but not many less.
One of the best things I ever bought was a postal scale - I weigh everything I use and cut weight anywhere I can. I normally don't carry a range finder or spotting scope and set up accordingly. I carry items in my pack without cases. For example, why carry a sheath on a folding knife? Or a bag/pouch/box for a compass? Everything gets weighed and lighter alternatives evaluated and replaced if need be. I usually only carry 5 extra cartridges as well. I've never gone through a full magazine let alone extra bullets.
