The trick is to carry enough of the right things to be useful, but not so much that the weight and bulk is an impediment. This of course will vary with the individual and with age (don't ask me how I know the latter). Knowledge and experience will go a long way toward extending
the usefulness of equipment. The ability to adapt and improvise is essential.

I am a hopeless gear head, and I enjoy tweaking my stuff, always happy to find something that is just a little bit better.