OP here. The weight reduction adventure came about from trying to lift the fully loaded rig and really straining. Then, unfortunately, I decided to weigh the sleeping bag and realized everything I own, including my bikes and my cars, is old. Some of it really, really old, and heavy. I imagined the amount of energy used up by excessively heavy stuff and decided to do something about it.
Some practical things such as not toting a cook kit saved a pound. I don't cook anyway and just brought it along for the idea of self-sufficiency. Other items such as the Buck Knife 110 are replaced with other smaller and lighter replacements.
As it is, I am keeping a vigilant watch for sales on lighter quilts in the extra long variety. Not many of them available in the 87-90 inch length.