I'll never be an ultralight backpacker, but the little gear optimizations I've been chasing apparently paid off! My new base weight is 20lb 12oz (9.27kg) and total pack weight fully loaded with water and food is 29lb 7oz (13.35kg).
This obviously includes the weight of the Gregory pack itself, which is a fairly beefy 5.5 pounds. But that's why it's so comfortable.
Anyway, I've shaved off a few pounds from that base weight! Happy happy happy.