Most of my gear is new. I am just not as old as Jim, and was born long after Jim bought his gear.

Also, for water...I live in a desert environment and can plan ahead enough to only have to carry a liter at a time. If I need to, I can carry 4 liters. The biggest weight saving I ever made was realizing that I only need a liter of water on me. In the desert there aren't that many sources, so every time we pass one, we drink what is left on us, fill up another bottle, drink that, then fill another and leave.