Suggestions and opinions on light weight gear...

I've been touring for a few years now and have way too much gear I realized the other day in my closet. I also noticed that none of it is really that light, more in the middle weight and am starting to think about selling and replacing a bunch of it. Starting with the shovel, probe, crampons, backpack, sleeping pad, ice axe, and a few other items and was looking for any suggestions anyone may have in products related. I know someone on here has spent the time looking for the lightest shovel, so I thought I would ask on her. I'm sure some others may be interested too. You could extend this to sleeping bags and stoves....all gear cold winter related.

Thanks.

I would think that the last place to shed weight would be safety gear.

Thanks... 

I was thinking of finding a shovel lighter than the one to shovel my driveway

I'm not a gram counting gear addict by any means, but here's the stuff i've been using for the past few seasons

shovel- nothing wrong (my two cents) with going for a smaller blade and a shorter shovel shaft, just don't opt for a lexan blade to save ounces...stick with a metal bade

probe- no suggestions there...other than don't skimp on it... it'd hate to think i was probing and missed a strike cause my uber-light too-short probe could go deep enough into the snowpack.

crampons- grivel air tech aluminums or similar...if you're just ski touring you're probably not gonna be on blue ice anyways...so chuck the steel 'pons.   i'd recommend strap crampons vs ones that have a toe/heel bail so you can use them on trail runners or light hikers.

backpack- just get a simple frameless sack... i've used a Golite Jam and a Wild Things Icesac for years... skip the frame if you're back can handle it.

pad- 3/4 length Downmat- its not light, but its super warm and lets me get away with a lighter bag.

axe- grivel air tech for a nice aluminum shaft/steel head axe or a CAMP axe if you want a crazy light all aluminum model.

sleeping bag... get the highest quality down bag you can afford and plan to sleep in with all your clothes on. Many folks can get away with a 30-40 degree down bag around here except for in the dead of winter.  I have a Feathered Friends Vireo that weights in a little more than a pound and has worked reasonably well in below freezing temps (with a down jkt, base, and shell layers on).

stove- when the weather is warm, a cannister stove will save a lot of weight, but i'm still not convinced they're the best for winter... not much weight differences amongst regular ol' white gas stoves (i think).

happy shopping!

These guys probably have some good tips for you, especially the shovel!
True North - Wapta ski

Right up my gear whorish alley...

Shovel; BCA Tour Fixed Length , 16 oz.   Next year's model will feature a more pack-friendly flush ferrule, (as will the new K2 Rescue Shovel) like the current Ortovox Kodiak design.  You may wish to wait until  these advancements are publicly available.

Probe; CAMP CARBON FIBER AVALANCHE PROBE , 4.7 oz.

Crampons; CAMP XLC390 , 13.8 oz.

Backpack; lots of options here depending on trip length/intensity.

Sleeping pad; I'm going to pass on this one too.

Ice axe; BD Whippet or CAMP Corsa Nanotech , 8.8 oz.