You're absolutely right, of course - every once in a while, just for fun, when I'm in some town in southeast Ohio (where our good hiking is), where WalMart is the only department store for 50 miles, I'll walk through the sporting goods, grocery, and clothing sections and see if I can put together a complete weekend kit there. I usually find I can, and that it wouldn't cost more than $500 (mayber closer to $400) - but it wouldn't be particularly light. Based on the weights listed on the package (or guessed at, since not all are listed), I'd guesstimate that such a kit would be in the 28 - 32 pound range.