fun trip. Hope it wasnt too cold, especially for sleeping. Ya, as you say, schlepping the big over stuff and all is really different than pedaling along paved roads. For me, having an extra five pounds or whatever, lets say from 20, up to 25 or 30 isnt really a deal breaker. Sure, a little slower but all in all its not a real difference. This summer riding to Boston I had at least 10lbs more than the other fellow (I had tent, cooking stuff, first aid stuff, various doo dads etc) but still climbed as fast or faster.
Doing what you guys did with the carrying aspect. those 5 lbs would kill me, being a slight fellow and not strong at all arms wise.