First off, my version of lightweight backpacking is that every ounce you carry should be justified in its use to you. I’m not carrying any of it. I find ponchos are never comfortable while backpacking - if they protect me from the rain, they also dench me in sweat that won’t evaporate because there is so much moisture in the air. I prefer to bag everything that I want to keep dry - this also protects things from leaks in things I carry and from mishaps during stream crossings. Other people love their ponchos and find extra uses for them as tarps, mats to sit on when the ground is wet, etc - or find a tarp that that can double as a poncho.
I find pants one pair of pants does OK for a three week hike. If you want back up, you might try one pair of shorts and one pair of convertibles. One thing I do, except in winter conditions, is on any reasonably warm day rinse the clothes I’m wearing and put them back on. They dry out quickly from my body heat. This works on pretty cool days if I’m moving. Almost any time I’m sweating its an opportunity to do this. I usually don’t use soap, because doing so in a responsible way would be time consuming.
Also, if you are going into town to resupply you will usually have a chance to use a laundromat. My town routine is: find a laundromat, start the wash cycle and then resupply, come back and start the dry cycle and then have a restaurant meal.
PedXing
