gear is important, but knowledge is king.

i find the redundant rule helpful and use it, but it means nothing if those items are left in the tent while you're hiking a trail. its what in the pockets/pack you have with you that count.

regarding size/weight of carrying all these muliple items: get smaller/lighter. in other words, three tiny AAA flashlights may be a better/smaller/lighter option than a single larger/heavier light...