I'm not going to comment except to say that if it weren't for lightweight gear, I could not go backpacking! So I say hooray for the lightweight stuff! Over the past 5 years (since I acquired it) it has held up to lots of gnarly conditions (plus considerable "testing" by my grandkids starting at age 5 and my tail-wagging 80-lb. mostly Lab dog) just fine! I've taken beginners (mostly kids) out with it. There's no reason this gear wouldn't hold up for a beginner as long as he/she doesn't fall over on the tent, drag the backpack over rocks or throw it off a cliff, and other such mistreatment.

Jim, does that mean you're returning the Montbell jacket?