Another perspective: Experience gives people the criteria to chose good gear! Glenn said it first! A number of us on this forum are dedicated (as the result of our own experience) to helping beginners chose better gear or at least not make the same mistakes we did (which, for starters, are more expensive in the long run). Of course a lot of gear choice is a matter of individual taste and style, so this sort of advice can go only so far!

I once again want to express my thanks to this site for giving me the knowledge to cut my pack weight by more than half without sacrificing comfort or safety! For the most part this was done at relatively low cost, although admittedly I have spent more $$$ than I should have on a few items since the original "lightening." If it weren't for this site, I would no longer be able to backpack, and I thank you all!!!