There is a LOT of emphasis on lowering rifle weights as much as possible for mountain hunting, but I seldom read anything on an equal emphasis on lowering body weight for the same benefits. Lets say you are not overweight: your bmi is right where it should be. And you can either reduce your rifle weight by even 1-2 lbs, or you can work on your body weight and lose say 4-5 lbs. Is the loss of body weight going to have the same benefits on your your ability to walk at a good pace in rough conditions as that 1-2 lbs. of less rifle weight to carry. I've never seen anything on this question.
Absolutely not.
Will it benefit you? Yes.
But with rifle weight it is an object that you are having to carry, handle, manipulate out away from your body which compounds the effect of the weight. It is also a weight that even when slung, throws off your balance left-right.
So, there is real benefit to lightening your rifle. And I am no expert, just walked a fair amount with different rifles and now hunt mostly with Montanas.
