Kudos to the author for their honesty and openness. That took guts.
One of the contradictions made apparent here is how the supposed rejection of money (which is thought of as evil and dirty) and the corresponding embracing of "minimalism" in the outdoor lifestyle requires expenditure of hundreds or thousands of dollars: four-season tents, shelters, backpacks, shells, the latest trail-runners, prepackaged dinners, etc. I see a lot of people out backpacking who look like they've just spent their entire paycheck on gear and Patagonia apparel. Rather than being minimalistic, this type of "ultralight" hiking is just disguised consumerism.
On the other hand, the Mustachian hikers out there who have a simple awareness and respect for money are using the older, heavier backpacks and tents, burly stoves that will last years, old leather boots, etc.