:)Hi, All. I have not taken my first backpacking trip, yet, but I'm so looking forward to it. My plan is to do a practice run on Eagle Creek trail in the Columbia Gorge. The practice run was recommended to me by someone at another web site and I appreciate any and all input available on the subject. I plan on packing everything I will need for overnight (and maybe stay overnight, too, if I feel comfortable doing so). I just read about bear bags and don't know a thing about them. I wonder if I would need one just in the Columbia Gorge? I'm so glad there is a great resource in this web site, which was also recommended to me from the other web site. smile Happy trails.