Hey guys, I've never been camping before, but I'd really like to have an overnight solo camping trip. I don't intend to hike too far out into the middle of nowhere, maybe 20 minutes from my car tops. I'm really excited about this being my new hobby, but I have absolutely no background in the outdoors (I would've been a Boy Scout as a kid, but they don't let girls into Boy Scouts <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />).

I know it's not summer anymore, but I'd hate to have to wait for spring until I can get a another chance at this. I'd like to do a late September/October trip (depends on how long it takes me to figure this stuff out). I'm in northeast PA, so it'll get a little chilly, possibly some rain, but I can pick a clear night for the trip.

I plan on taking a 1 person tent, right now looking at the Eureka Solo Backcountry (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000EQ8VJC/), a lightweight sleeping mat to keep the cold out, and a 20-degree mummy bag (because I have a new one, but I'll buy another if it's prudent to). I'm also trying to do the chimney-style soda can alcohol stove (so I can run it off Isopropyl alcohol). Also, my cellphone for phoning home if I get into trouble, and the normal things like matches and a headlamp and clothes.

Does that sound like a realistic plan? Did I leave out any important considerations?

A few things I need to figure out still:

- Is a solo trip a good idea? (If no, are there any reasonably priced camping "schools" I could take a trip with?)
- What weather should I keep an eye out for?
- What should I look for in a camping knife?
- What should I avoid in a camp site? I wouldn't mind paying for a campground, but I don't want to just have a 10x10 space with electrical hookups. I was thinking of just taking a local leg of the Appalachian Trail and stopping somewhere along there.
- What should I bring food-wise?
- What are the odds of having a black bear rip into my tent in the middle of the night?
- Are there any other important rules I might naively ignore only to face severe consequences later?
- Are there any books/survival manuals I can bring with me to try out camping things in the outdoors?

I'd like to be able to use my camping skills for a bicycle touring/stealth camping trip once the weather gets warm again.

Thanks for the advice!