hello all, new member here. I have never backpacked before but grew up in the outdoors. I am 45 and suffer from RA. I finally got a handle on this terrible disease and feel great! I have always wanted to hike and backpack and decided why wait. I talked my wife into accompanying me. We purchased hiking shoes this past weekend and are going to a local spot this weekend. I am so excited, I cant wait. Just wanted to introduce myself. Billy, 22 year Disabled Navy Veteran. Purchasing Supervisor for a political subdivision of the State of Texas. Glad to be here and read all of this wealth of information.

Billy