Since it appears you plan to do most or all of your hiking in PA or vicinity, I would give a bit more weight ( <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />) to opinions from experienced hikers in the same area.

I live out west in Oregon and do all my hiking in OR and WA, so I won't comment on your choices.

Lastly, realize that, although you may get some very enthusiastic recommendations for specialized lightweight gear, the more specialized or lightweight it is, the more it needs to be embedded in a matrix of experience and knowledge for you to get the best results from it.

Once you really KNOW how to use that stuff, you will probably become as enthusiastic as your advisors. But novices need to understand this before they sink a bunch of money into gear.