Welcome to another deep rabbit hole that is the world of thru-hiking. If you think that digital nomads take gear seriously then you're in for a treat with thru-hikers.

Not only do people obsess over materials like Dyneema, Merino, AlphaDirect, but also willing to take other extreme lengths such as cutting off their toothbrush and ditching a stove in favour of eating only cold food. Typically made by cottage style independents or people making their own gear. You may not be too surprised to hear that the little Japanese brands make some of the best gear. Dehydrated miso granules + tofu + veg + rice with MCT powder is a superb calorie/gram (with taste) winner.

There's also lots of opinions about going really for the extreme minimalist or still having some comfort items. On my trips, I often ditch underwear and have just one pair of socks for an entire week, yet will carry a portable bidet. Carrying a chair is certainly quite the luxury! I'd recommend the Katadyn Befree over the Sawyer Squeeze. And get a smaller titanium pot.

Many hikers kind of question what it is that enjoy about hiking, but for most I think it comes down to the challenge, the meditative state one can get into, and the distance/detox from regular life. Plus you get to visit places and see things that you would never otherwise be able to, which I think is quite special.

Whilst the weather is famously awful, I’m quite lucky where I am in Scotland in that we have a right to roam law that enables you to hike and sleep essentially wherever you want. Although some of the best hiking is to be had in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and European Alps.

Kraig Adams (https://www.youtube.com/kraigadams) does a superb job of showing the beauty and reality of hiking, and has a Tynan-style approach to gear and and overall life minimalism.