Yes. The more you know, the less you need.
When I first started backpacking/mountaineering, I wanted all my gear to be the most lightweight, the most waterproof, the most breathable, boots with the most support... the most whatever.
Fast-forward years later, I run barefoot, wear trail runners instead of heavy boots. When I climbed Mount Rainer this year, I had to mend my ripped hiking pants the night before, my rain pants and gaiters had rips, zippers on my backpack were broken, I duct-taped crumbling soles of my double boots... In other words, things were far from perfect but I had a great time on a successful and safe climb.



That Coleman stove is indeed a classic.