In recent years I've dropped my self-supported load down to well under twenty pounds, barely noticeable on my old touring bike. My next bike, if I ever need one, can be a double if everything else is perfect. My last XC trip with a triple, I only used the small chain ring (26) a few times to get out of campgrounds on steep gravel. For the paved hills I encountered, my 36 x 28 was just fine.

A lot depends on your load, on the grades and surfaces you expect to climb, and how you and your knees do with sustained climbing. There are many levels of ability and physiology and your bike needs to meet your needs.