He is a hardnut carrying 40lbs!
But he's grabbing some great views and a bit of solitude.
I'm liking the idea of winter backpacking on the Ridgeway.
quote author=hikeview link=topic=30906.msg447447#msg447447 date=1445009869]
Here is the first of 5 videos outlining 5 days where one chap did exactly what you are suggesting. In winter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJd6ff3naPoSo it is certainly possible to do, and he didn't encounter any issues.
He carried way more weight than I would have though. I'm probably a wuss.