I think the easiest way to cut weight is
1) Wear all your clothes, maybe have a camp layer and maybe a silk layer to sleep in (LJ's in the Sierra's)
2) Use a poncho instead of rain gear
3) Use a tarp or a tarptent (1lbs is better than 3)
4) Make an alki stove (or use wood)
5) Down bag
I did that and it saved me a TON, however 50 lbs on a 200lbs guy is only 25% BW, so thats not bad at all.