I uhhhh… I just write things down on a sheet of paper, then lose it, then say “fuck it, we’ll do it live!”. And that’s how I ended up with an 8lb base weight for the pct.

Honestly, I think the best system is a laminated sheet of paper with all the hiking gear (that you already own, probably) you think you will need for any trip (lamination machines cost, like, $30). Then when it is time for a trip, you can use a dry erase marker to cross out things you wont bring, check off things that you’ve packed, and even make little notes.

As far as weight goes - you should bring what you need, and not bring what you don’t need. Then you can weigh your pack. After all, if you actually need it, then you are going to bring it regardless of weight.