I would hate to see anyone going out solo who hadn't developed the skills and experience (more important than the gear) needed to cope when things hit the fan. Backpacking is really not something that beginners should attempt unless they stay very close to the trailhead and their cars for their first few trips, and close to high-traffic trails thereafter. In my case, I have 60-odd years of experience and have encountered and successfully coped with some really horrendous conditions, so I know what I'm doing and exactly what the risks are.