Originally Posted By alph2294
I am a newbie backpacker and your advice to just start out with what a person has totally inspired me. I was thinking I'd need to buy a bunch of $$$ ultralight stuff but now I will just start with the pack/bag etc. that I have used for my one backpacking trip (will need a tent) and go for it. Thanks for your encouraging post -- this will get me out on the trails a lot sooner!


No need to necessarily spend high dollars on light stuff if you shop right or make your own (but it's not hard to spend a lot either). This was brought to light 2 days ago when someone commented that their pack, tent (with all stakes and cloth, etc), bag and sleeping pad now weighed just 7.25+ pounds and cost over $1600. I figured up mine - 6.25 pounds and about $350. I use a homemade tarp and got my pad used plus great sale prices on the other 2.

Nevertheless, yes, just get out there and learn with what you got. Play it safer if you don't trust what you currently have.