Aceatc go over to the MYOG Make Your Own Gear Forum here and look at all the threads on items you need. Things do not have to cost alot to be functional camping as you know. Aluminum works as well as titanium cooking your meals, so right there you save $100's on your gear.

You need to be safe from, at a minimum, hypothermia, if nothing else. Start with a nice warm sleeping bag for your area, then a simple tent. You'll be warm and dry, 2 crucial points in camping. Dressing appropriately will help you be safe also.

I chastize you from the point of having zipped up many a body bag of people who thought they were ok with what they had.

Get some of the mentioned titels and read as slow as you have to in order to understand the material you are reading. There's no race to finish a good book, especially one that may save your life from the knowledge gained. Campout in your yard with a friend or two to practice what you read before heading into the woods. Out there is the last place you want to find your skills lacking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> JOIN your local Scout Troop, if you don't have the money I'll mail a check to the Scoutmaster myself <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />