As a section hiker, early on I was bringing too many clothes and had heavier gear. You are right, lighter gear costs $$$

Only suggestion would be clothes and making some hard decisions on what you can do WITHOUT. Example, you dont really need a knife, a thru hiker I ran into was using a single edge razor blade. Another area for weight, 1st aid kit, need duct tape and antibiotic ointment.

WB is an amazing resource plus you might find some cheap gear before you leave, most have closet's full.

Once you get to warmer weather pack weight will decline.