The first photo reminds me of my pilgrimage on Camino de Santiago. In the first week of walking I've dropped a ton of stuff from my backpack, just to make it ligher. I've slowly realised that I need very little things in my life in order to survive and be happy. That influenced me in the way I treat objects in my life today. I've throwed a lot of my clothes as I have a minimum number of clothes.
Light backpacking for long trails is a challenge indeed but you will get plenty of rewards fo it. As you said, you will enjoy more your trail and you will be more happier with yourself :)