re: Need some gear help

Since your not after Pata-gucci or similar the big dollars will probably be best spent on lightweight and packable (compressible). Which will also help in everyday camp. Can you find out what she needs to be light?

I'd spend up on a light sleeping bag. Hint you can blanket it like a quilt when it's not really cold. Add dollar up again for a nice pack able rain jacket, she'll carry it everywhere, from now on until it's threadbare worn and thrown in the trunk of her car.

And although not listed - a buff tubular thingy. I've heard of people straining soup through one. They wad up small, never wrinkle, and incredibly versatile.