Apologies if this isn't in tune with the light-hearted nature of this area of the HUBB, but I need to get something off my chest, and hopefully get someones response.

I have this internal conflict that I'm trying to resolve, and it's all about the technology and money and the gadgetry I'm hoarding for my big trip.

I think it started when I was reading one of the (many) threads attacking the long way round boys. People were pretty quick to highlight the shortcomings of the way they did this trip, and keen to knock the kit and substantial backup resource they had for their journey.
GPS navigation stuff, satellite phones, winnebago following them round, survival courses etc.

I thought this was interesting, and made me think of the perspective we have on other peoples behaviour.
Imagine the thoughts of an elderly woman in rural Africa somewhere, walking miles to collect water. What is she going to think, when one of us overlanders rides past with £500 touratech panniers and the like?

Could this be comparable to our thoughts about the LWR folks?

This started something in my head about what I really NEED for the trip. It's often said that you can do the trip on ANY bike, and the most important thing is to just go and enjoy it. But there seem to be many more GS bikes riding RTW than the more moderate bikes.

So what I'm struggling with is this;

On the one hand the trip I'm planning (round the world) is a significant undertaking. To use anything but the best gear I can get hold of would be silly.

On the other hand the spirit of this niche of travelling is adventure. I'd like the feel of my trip to be a bit less about consumerism, and more about immaterial experience.
I've got a few bikes, why not grab my argos tent and everyday toolkit and leave. Get stuff when there's an actual need for it, and make do.

Sorry for the rant. I'm not expecting anyone to have to have the answer, just interested to hear other peoples take on this point.

Thank you