Regarding ten pounds pressing on one's back for four days: my son commutes to school and formerly used a conventional double-shoulder strap bike pack for his athletic gear and books, and didn't like it; and, he now uses a Chrome Messenger Bag, carries more, and finds it very comfortable - but it costs one hundred and fifty dollars.
A microlight tent and a super quality down bag weigh, together, five pounds - but, they cost five hundred dollars.
Do everything, weigh nothing clothing packs down to tininess - but it costs five hundred dollars.
Catch my drift?

Some people on this forum receive understandable pleasure from building a fixie for the fewest dollars.
I wonder if a person could put together a light, cheap, minimalist touring package that would not require panniers.
I need to think about that.