Actually, I'm the woman, but there are many great posters of both sexes on this site. I agree with you about the advertising hype! Try to search out a number of reviews. In addition to this site, www.backpackgeartest.org is good. While subjective, check out the reader reviews on www.backpackinglight.com (accessible without a subscription). You'll find a variety of opinions on the latter. I do find it unfortunate that some people will file reviews based on an initial backyard valuation rather than extensive field experience. On this site, search the archives (read TomD's sticky post in the "General Discussion" section on how to search this site). For health issues, the standard medical sites plus the CDC are always good.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey