The big 4?

[hopefull2010]

new to backpacking,,,,,, thiniking the big 4= backpack, tent, sleeping bag and ?

[Rocket Jones]

sleeping pad

[ekeverette]

the right type clothing,very important.

[Papa D]

1) shelter
2) sleeping bag and pad
3) food / water
4) clothing

what you carry it all in isn't as important - pack would be #5

[Papa D]

Come to think of it, for me, the big 3 in the woods anywhere has always been
1) Water Bottle
2) Rain Jacket
3) Shoes

I can survive for a pretty good while with those items

[winland]

When discussed in terms of weight, the "big four" are pack, tent/hammock/tarp, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

[Chop]

The reference to the big 4 is typically regarding weight. The big 4 is mostly agreed to be what you (OP) and Rocket have.

Pack
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Tent

[Papa D]

yes - winland is correct - I was being silly

[fredmugs]

1. Metallica
2. Megadeth
3. Slayer
4. Anthrax

http://thebig4festival.com/

[jbsbestfan]

Seems to me that when thinking four most important purchases to affect your trip the fourth item would be your boots....I know that for weight purposes it is the pad.

[sbhikes]

Or it could be:

shelter system
sleep system
cook system
pack

[tigerpaw]

Who wears boots :) ?

[Chop]

1. Metallica
2. Megadeth
3. Slayer
4. Anthrax

http://thebig4festival.com/

Amen.......

[Mfrenchy]

I'm glad Metallica is on top.

[Tinker]

new to backpacking,,,,,, thiniking the big 4= backpack, tent, sleeping bag and ?

Here's someone you might want to get aquainted with: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=6785
She's a Maryland resident who I met in 2008 when she was hiking with my friend, Wrongway (here as Wrongway 08). She's a great person and a good hiking friend of mine. I'm sure she won't mind a few questions from you. Look her up here. She used to post a lot more before her thruhike, but you can still reach her via a personal message (tell her Tinker sent you ;)).

[hopefull2010]

Thanks everyone!!!!