Welcome to the forum! If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles on gear selection and lightening your load listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. I was able to cut my 7-day pack weight to less than half what it used to be five years ago, just from using the "27 lb., 7-day gear list."

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to low-budget alternatives.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey