Good points, oldranger. I didn't want to complicate my original reply too much, so I stuck to the "middle of the road" gear selection, hoping folks like you would point out all the perfectly viable alternatives like alcohol stoves and tarps.

I particularly appreciated you adding the "change as you go" feature: start with good basics, then replace the "starter" gear like tarps and blue foam pads later - if you want or need to. (If you don't, you win big-time.)