Would this be a decent starter set?

First off. I've been reading the Strobist Blog Very helpful! I was going to
go with some other stuff with my tax money. But now I'm leaning this way
since lately all I've been doing is people photography. That and for what
I do, I can get decent enough shots from my cheapo 75-300 for nature.
But what am I saying? I'm young and have a problem with indecision and
always changing my mind! Lol. But seriously... looking more towards this now.

I was looking @ the Mpex Strobist SW1 Kit:
http://www.mpex.com …m?PG=STROBIST%2​0SW1%20KIT

But I'm hearing on and off reviews. Some love Mpex, some hate it.
If I end up going with a lighting setup then I'll call them before anything.
If they have it in stock and can get it shipped within a day then I'll buy it...
But as a backup plan.... basically same stuff from B&H:

Speedotron Radio Slave Set (Receiver/Transmitter)
SP-Systems Swivel Bracket
Rosco Color Correction Kit
Westcott 43" Soft Silver Umbrella
Giottos Air Cushioned 10.6' Light Stand
Vivitar 285HV Flash Unit

Prices come out to like $230 for the Mpex kit and $310 for B&H.
I'm going for budget, obviously, reliability, and ease of use outdoors.
Oh and portability. Lots of it. That way I can won't be hesitating to bring the kit.
I can drill holes and make a strap, as described on the Strobist Blog,
for the light stand. Use some of those nifty ball bungies to keep the
umbrella and stand together while I'm walking around with it hanging from my back.
I can fit the flash unit, slave set, and color correction kit in my backpack.
But thats the downside. Having a backpack + using a strap for my light stand...

I have the umbrella, Giottos stand and vivitar flash and recommend all of them. The stand is very sturdy and strong. I may get a Giotto tripod for my camera. I would go with the second option. It is a large stand though, not small and compact like the Mpex one.

I dont understand your last comment about using a backpack though. Any gear you get will need a backpack.

Either way you go it will be a win/ win for you.

On the Strobist Blog - he talks about how he modified his Manfrotto/Bogen (I think?)
light stand. He drilled 2 holes into it, put loop rings and added a strap. I think that'd
be a great thing to do except for the fact I carry my gear in a backpack.
Hopefully next paycheck I can get pick up most of the stuff. Oh and I just scored
a Canon flash - either a 420 or 430, pretty sure its a 'EX' not 'EZ' from my buddy's neighbor.
I'll know more tomorrow when my friend comes up from Orlando with it