Backpack/tent/sleepingbag suggestions

Im heading west by foot from oklahoma and was wondering if you guys could give me advice on some lite gear?

I hitchhike and head to the wilderness on occasion and im usually not very prepared forthewoodsNOOB).I find myself carrying a pack that is too heavy and consistently uncomfortable sleeping situations. Wouldn't really be a huge problem i guess, but i plan to be gone for 6 months this time and would like to be as comfortable as possible.

the terrian will be a combination of mountain, desert, and even urban. it will mostly be warm and sometimes rainy.. if that helps you narrow it down.OhIMtrying not to spend more than $500!

anything im overlooking?id be happy for your advice!

Welcome to the forum!

There are so many packs, tents, and sleeping bags, this is a tough one to answer.

The first general rule of thumb is to get your gear first and your pack last, that way you know how big a pack you need.

The next is to spend most your money on a good bag. What's the coldest temps you expect to be sleeping in? Look for a bag that has a "Comfort Rating" in that range. For example, a bag rated for "20º" probably has a "Comfort Rating" of closer to 32º.

As for tents, you need to decide what you want. For example, do you want a small, light tent, or do you want something big enough to sit out a hard rain in some comfort. Lots of folks here use a tarp, or a tarp tent. Both of those options might work for you, but they do take a bit of skill and experience to use in tough conditions. You might be better off with a free standing tent that needs no stakes or guy lines to set up.

Let us know what you have now and we'll go from there...

Hey Thanks for the advice!

Im actually trying to stay gone a while soi suppose ill need a more spacious tent( simpler sounds better too)

this is a list of some of the things ill be bringing:

Neccessities : Neo Air Thermarest, Air Pump, Lamp, Swiss Army Knife, Cooking supplies(pans,spoon,food, etc), Toiletries, Water
Extras: Tea, Ipad, MiC, Guitar, Books, Camera this is just what ive jotted down today so far ps. Im an artist on the go so i must bring some things that dedicated Hikers would never deem neccessary

also ill be bringing my guitar with me for this adventure and would like to know if theres a pack that is comfortable and durable yet able to somehow support my guitar.. id rather not be lugging it around in one of my free hands all day.

if not then im open to advice for a creative solution for this problem. Any ideas??

I would add one more thing to your list - a bicycle. That will allow you to carry the guitar, etc. a lot more easily and give you much greater range and flexibility. You probably need to increase your budget, even without the bike...

Off hand I'd say you don't need an air pump for the neoair, a small pocket knife should do, put your books on the iPad, get a small LED lamp, and take a harmonica instead of your guitar (just kidding, that guitar will probably get you a few rides, and I know how you musicians are about your guitars. At least it's not an acoustic bass. I know a few bluegrassers that tote those things around with them everywhere )

I'm sure you could sew some straps on a soft shell case for your guitar and attach it to your pack. That's not going to be easy to haul no matter how you do it, but if you got to have it, that's what I'd do. And I'd make sure it's waterproof too.

Your tent is going to have to be big enough to hold you and your guitar too, so you may want a two man tent.

Guitar options...
There are lots of backpack gig bags available. It all depends on how much you want to protect your instrument. SKB makes a hardshell-in-packcloth case with shoulder straps but the thing is fat and bulky.
I'm a multi-instrument player and for gigs I use the collapseable two wheel dollys. Magna Cart is my favorite ($25 at Walmart). Getting creative, you can get an amazing amount of stuff bungee'd on the things and not carry anything on your sholders/back at all. I have two, and link one like a trailer to the other.
Other options....find a Martin or Tacoma backpacker guitar on Craigslist or eBay. Learn to play mando, harmoncia, penny whistle....

Do you already have these items? What do you want to purchase with your $500 budget?

As mentioned above, put your books on your Ipad: http://1dollarscan.com/

An alcohol stove will probably do you well. Do you need water treatment capacity?

My thought is that because you want to carry large, awkward gear you are either in for packing a bicyle like oldranger suggests, or you are in for an external frame pack - with the associated weight penalty.

ah it seems once again im left with the bicycle option! lo1! ive done this once before with awkward stuff and had to bring along my bicycle and a child trailer. haha. i hauled everything inthe trailer, my pack, tent and guitar etc.. I just ripped out all the uneeded stuff from the bottom of the carraige and it worked perfect..

i was just hoping to not be tied down to my bike and cart again. but i see now all in all this mayu be the only way one musician would be able to stay gone for 6 months or more and be comfortable


Thanks!

One dollar scan seems legit. thank you!

This seems like my only other option.. im feeling like thiss could be majorly awkward and heavy though lol. guess iol have to try and see