Originally Posted By: Quietly_Learning
... I accidently removed an essential item -water purification. I will use everyone's suggestions to better prioritize when I pack for my next trip.

LOL - at least you have learnt something - even if it was the hard way !

Originally Posted By: Quietly_Learning
...
Unfortunately caching gear is not possible on my backpacking


I meant, if you become injured (etc) and are unable to continue with your existing gear (whatever it is), you can cache some of it as best you can at that site, to make it easier to reach "saftey"; return later to retrieve the gear.

Not an ideal situation, but it may be better than trying to bring everything with you. A serious injury will be a game changer, and it will necessitate having to re-evaluate your equipment.