Heavier is not better - it's just heavier. Cheaper is not better - it's just cheaper.

(See - the same blanket statements work in reverse.)

Good gear is good gear, and can be light or heavy, cheap or expensive. I prefer stuff that's well-made and multi-purpose, and I don't want to carry extra weight unless there's a good reason. If there is, I do.

As almost everyone said, you can't go wrong being in better shape and knowing how to get the most out of whatever gear you have, based on experience in the conditions you'll be in.