Need help...

[Brian321]

Hello everyone, I am new to hiking and im just wondering what kind of stuff i will need for hiking?I know the basics(sort of) i just would like some suggestions on good stuff. The first thing i need to know is what is a good backpack to get? The secound thing is, What exactly do i need to put in it? I have been camping quite a few time and know the basic stuff i will need but i have no idea where to begin for hiking. Thanks.

[scope]

Probably the number one thing you will learn is that there is no one backpack, sleeping bag, shelter, etc. to recommend. If you look at a site like REI.com, you'll see of multitude of what is essentially the same thing, just slightly different styles and colors and configurations, etc. It really is a business where there is almost too much to choose from.

Start by going to said site and look at their backpacking list. You can look at other's lists on this site and gleen from that what you need and don't need. There's simply too many variables to recommend a certain pack. What to put in it is in general the same, but similar choices to be made on what brand, etc. of each item. You probably want to go somewhere, REI or another outfitter, to get measured and try on some packs to see what seems to fit you best. You won't ever know for sure if you've got the right stuff until you get out on the trail and get some miles on you.

[bigcranky]

Your question is far too broad to be answered here -- books have been written on this subject. So go to your local bookstore and find a good book on backpacking. Seriously. Or look at the gear lists on the main page of this site.

[bullseye]

You might want to get all of your other gear first, before you spend hard earned cash on a pack. Nothing worse than finding out all your gear doesn't fit b/c your pack is too small.

[Pedaling Fool]

There's way too much emphasis on gear, don't need all the latest stuff:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7630 (Choosing Equipment -- about 1/2 way down link)

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7410 (Things to leave behind)

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=95858#post95858 (Backpack Comparison Chart)

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=206678#post206678 (Cheap Gear)

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=132311 (What to carry)


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[Ox97GaMe]

What I tell people is to first determine what gear you will be using, then get a pack that will accomodate that. There are pros and cons to every decision about packs.

personally, my preference is an internal frame pack in the 3500 - 4000 cc capacity range. I like a pack with a separate compartment at the bottom (with zippered inside flap to make single barrel if desired). I like to have at least one outside pocket to carry things that I want to have easy access to, even if I have a rain cover on the pack (toilet paper, water filter, etc). I like a pack with a top zipper pouch to put things like map, headlamp, notepad in (again for easy access). The pack I currently have contains synch straps on the sides. I use these to hold my tent and poles so they dont have to be inside the pack when they are wet.

Other folks like options such as compartment for water (camelpak). Some like side sleeves to carry tent poles. Some like outside mesh compartments to pack items in.

Just about every person you talk to will have something specific about their pack that they like. Every person will also find at least one thing about everybody else's pack that they dont like. Yes, Ive even seen hikers argue about how to pack things into identical brand packs.

Bottom is this... gear is a personal preference. Every person is different. Their wants and needs will be different. Their level of comforts will vary. Pack, boots, and sleeping system will end up being the biggest choices (and maybe the hardest) you make about your hiking gear.

[Franco]

Good links above but as I also like going to bed with a good book, to get the complete picture I would recommend something like the trio advertised here :
http://www.amazon.com/Lighten-Up-Complete-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/0762737344/ref=pd_sim_b_4 (http://www.amazon.com/Lighten-Up-Complete-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/0762737344/ref=pd_sim_b_4)
the first two are very entertaining and "enlightening" the last one is as stated a manual, but a good one.
Also The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher..
Franco

[Mountain Wildman]

http://www.backpacker.com/2007/images/november08/mtncrossmeth_445.jpg