Hello Everyone,

I am 15 years old and really enjoy camping so I decided to give backpackin a whirl and was just wanting to know if any one had any pointers, any help would be greatly appriciated.
Thank you,
Korea

Take a compass.

korea,
Good to have a fellow Illinoisan. One of our members has a very good site: http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/backpack/index.html
And for different pack lists, this sight (TLB) has some--- as well as http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/gear-lists.html
May you get backpacking addicted

-Barry

Look around and see if there is an Explorer post for high adventure near you. The Explorer program is an adjunct to Boy Scouts with no rank advancement needed and focused on specific interests.

Thank you so much I have already puchased a kelty trekker 3950 and hope that it is an good enough pack. Also I am already in Boy Scouts I have been for about 4 years and am 1 rank away from eagle. Thanks for all the help this seems to be a great forum full of good information and people.
Korea

I almost forgot...take a map with the compass.

The home page of this site has a whole batch of articles listed in the left column, designed for newcomers. A lot of them are on selecting gear. Start with this one and then read the rest. Add the Mark Verber sites listed above--there's a link to his "Backpacking for Cheap" and his preferred gear descriptions have a low-budget option at the end of each.

Welcome to the forum!

I do recommend you go out with more experienced backpackers for a while. Since you're under 18, you may have to get a release of liability from your parents.

Dude,
remember the scout motto Be Prepared. But not overly so and determining that takes a lot of experience. I would say - do not trust in your imortality to save your butt and if something seems kinda stupid, don't do it now, wait till ya can get some more input as there is plenty of time if ya don't screw up first. Get a GPS
Jim

Actually, a Venturing Crew may be something to look into. Venturing has kind of taken over the "high adventure/Exploring" aspect of the older youth program (since about 1999). Still a BSA program, just coed and with slightly different focus. What's better, members can be in both Boy Scouts and Venturing at the same time.

Ed
Scoutmaster T762 and Crew Advisor C762

To start off on my first few advetures I will be within 15 miles or so from my home in woods and trails that I have grown up in and know like the back of my hand and will still be with a freind the first couple of times. I have also taken a couple of classes on wilderness survivial and first aid (hopefuly wont need the first aid but still nice to know).Once again thank you all so much for the help and I cant stress enough how much I really appiciate all the help and information you have given.
Korea