Ways you cut weight

Whether its cutting toothbrush handles, buying gear made of lighter fabrics, MYOG projects, or something else, what are the ways that you save weight?

Mine is to make gear that I can use multi ways. I made a tarp back when I always carried hiking poles that could be strung through two trees of I could use my hiking poles and have the tarp be a very awesome A-frame tent. The design had the "foot end" of the tent lower than the "head end" of the tent to save more weight. This was my second MYOG project (first was a hand sewn stuff sack that took 3 hours to make). It wasn't pretty to look at, but it worked.

I cut down in the "emergency" items I carried. i.e. the tube of antibiotic ointment is tiny now...and the amount of spare clothes. That's all I've trimmed so far recently. I'm also carrying a tech blanket instead of a sleeping bag most of the time now. That helps. Still have tons more to do, but I struggle with reducing weight without spending MONEY!

Jay:
Perhaps if you had specific questions regarding certain gear items, we might be able to help drop that weight of yours.
UL