Rewinding the always-reliable memory tapes, fifteen years has seen a lot of changes and as you note, a lot of price increases--but not across the board.

Some things are more expensive, like sleeping pads/mattresses and trail sneakers and water filters while others are cheaper, like good down sleeping bags and backpacks. Some things didn't even exist, like LED headlamps. And holy cow, the selection of most stuff has exploded, making "easy choices" not so easy.

For sure, the basics of a lightweight kit are now commercially available in significant numbers and DIY is no longer a necessary part of the equation. Even so, something like a self-made alcohol stove can cut price and weight to nearly nothing while giving the opportunity to tinker while playing with fire. What could be better?

Find a suitable and very light shelter--a tarp even--sleeping system and kitchen, assemble a small and dependable clothing kit, gather the other basics and only then look at backpacks. You might be surprised how small and light the pack itself can be.