you must be talking about yourself, because you aren't describing me, and you certainly have no idea of what success is.
lots of people in the world get by without shoes, give it a try sometime. gear is dumb.
ya, but they won't hike any faster or climb any harder, even if they are cheaper. its not the gear that makes the climber it is the person and their mentality aiming towards success.
Damn! Well, all I can say is that is great news...100% recovery in a year. Glad to hear you're ok...see the the Climbing forum, Guiness Gulley Accident thread for another person who is currently recovering from a broken back.
Best wishes on a complete recovery.