Pika,

That was a great quote for living close to the real nub of life.

I'm Buddhist and your lines fit perfectly with Buddhist non-attatchment ideal. But the "gearhead" thing is my attatchment problem that I wrestle with.

However I must confess that, like others in this thread, I've reached the end of my search for lightweight gear to replace my conventional gear. And it's actually a good feeling because now I don't fret that my stove is too heavy, etc., etc., etc.

Well, backpackers, I guess now many more of us will be visiting the forums that relate to recounting EXPERIENCES, as opposed to arguing over ounces and grams of this item vs. that item. YIPPIE!

Eric