The lenses add way more bulk and weight than having a camcorder. Having just one zoom lens might be heavy. I think it depends on what you are shooting and how much gear you're looking to carry.
You pretty much get what you pay for. Arcteryx is well made and has a very pleasing fit for those who need an athletic fit. North Face and Patagonia seem to be a little boxy and I have to size down for those brands.
I won a pair of clifton 8 and they are pretty impressive. Light and a lot of cushion. The regular width size was too narrow so I had to get the wide width and size down a half.
I just wipe it down with a paper towel and hang it upside down. Sometimes I forget about it in my pack... If that's the case I put some tablets in it. I used to leave it in the freezer but it tastes weird when using it again.
I have a Peak Design carbon tripod. It's a bit pricey for what it is but it's so compact and lightweight. I actually used my REI dividends and coupon to get it.