Pretty much any backpacker you ask for advice will tell you about "The Big 3": backpack, sleeping bag, and tent. These are the three biggest weight and space sucks on your trip. For most people, if they want to save weight, they'll get the biggest bang for their buck by spending some money and upgrading these. Your sleeping bag and tent also take up the most space out of everything, so getting ones that pack down smaller will allow you to have a smaller backpack, so you'll be able to save even more weight (and maybe some money on the backpack, as bigger ones cost more).
Working at REI, I talk to people about the 3 places you want to spend as much time, effort, and (if you need to) money to get the right thing for you: backpack, footwear, and sleep system. These are more about comfort and enjoyment of the endeavor.
If your backpack is not fitting you right and/or not carrying the weight correctly, its going to throw off your balance, rub raw spots, and possibly torque your back out.
If your footwear (and by that I mean, shoes/boots and socks combo) is not right for you, your feet are going to be miserable. You'll get blisters, jam your toes going downhill, etc. In short, your trip is going to suck.
Lastly, if you can't get a good night's sleep, days two through whatever are not going to be as enjoyable. Get a sleeping bag that has enough room and is warm enough for you. Get a sleeping pad that is comfortable for you. Get a tent that is well rated to keep out the rain and not flap in the wind.
-I used "...for you." a lot. That's because pretty much every day I see customers come into my work saying "My friend has [brand] and loves them, so I thought I'd try them on." Take anyone's recommendation with a grain of salt. Everyone's body is different. Unless you have an identical twin that's had the same injuries and workout regimen as you, any item is going to fit you differently than the person that recommended it to you. Its also going to perform differently for you than them.
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