I use "fully loaded" and "self-supported" interchangably. I mean when you carry your gear for camping and cooking.

I don't worry about someone else's definitions.

The balance between light weight and comfort is tricky. Light weight is to be highly desired, but so is comfort. I struggle with that constantly. I've got my list pretty much set, but there are still things I go back and forth on.

I bought the DVD about the Tour Divide race on the Great Divide route. The racers carry their own gear. They go very ultralight, but they carry a sleeping bag and a bivy sack.

I tend to carry a pretty big load compared to others I meet or read about.