Some friends of mine are off on the Wapta Traverse over Easter. I'm amazed at the amount of excess gear they plan on bringing along. Most people aren't used to carrying anything more than a day pack, so skiing with an overnight pack, turns out to be far more fatiguing than they had imagined. What makes sense is to carry what you need, and only what you need.
There are lots of things you don't need on a standard easy traverse like the Wapta. Ice axes, crampons and snow protection (such as flukes and pickets) can all be left behind. Almost every peak that is readily ascended on the Wapta Traverse (especially the common ones) is easily climbed without any of that equipment. One rope will do, even for a party of five or six. This year there is a very healthy snowpack and, in general, crevasses are narrow - this isn't Alaskan terrain - carrying two ropes is simply foolish.
Other things that can be safely ditched are bivouac bags (a garbage bag will do in a pinch), spare clothes, big jackets, and hut booties.
So, if you are out on a big trip this Easter weekend, do yourself a favor, dump the excess weight for a more enjoyable trip.
Day 1 of 8 Days on the Hurley River Horseshoe
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