You are on the right track by visiting this website and doing your research before buying gear. I'm fairly new to Backpacking and made the mistake of buying heavy gear for a trip to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park last year. I really wish I had done more research before buying my gear last year.

If you have the option of renting/borrowing gear before you buy then that is the best option IMO.

I'm planning to continue using my current pack & tent for the next few trips so I have a good basis for comparison once I begin the switch to a lighter pack and tent.