Hello

Hello all, just wanted to post an introduction here. I'm brand new to all this backpacking stuff so I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions. I'm a 20 year old college student so I don't have a lot of money to spend but I've slowly started acquiring gear and I hope to be able to get out onto Ohio's trails sometime this year.

Thanks!

Welcome, be sure to research if you can before you buy to save any later regrets. Take your time and save some money. Read as much as you can before asking newbie questions.

What part of Ohio? I'm from the Dayton area.

Welcome! If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. Feel free to come back with more questions once you've read the articles!

Another good site for gear selection, with a lot more detail (perhaps too much) is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to ultra-low-budget alternatives--the latter should be just what you need. Also tons of links to reviews and other sites. Some of the links are dead, but most are still good.

Watch for used gear and check out thrift and military surplus shops.

While I'm from the other end of the country, I have do have some ties to Ohio--have family in the Wilmington area.

Welcome! Love the name, I am a fan of Psych!

Thank you all for the welcome and the advice. Right now I'm up by Sandusky but I'm going to be going to school in Columbus this fall.

And I'm glad somebody recognized my name. I don't watch every episode, but it's a good show.

Keep me in mind if you're looking for a quick weekend getaway to Hocking Hills (Old Man's Cave) - I work in Columbus a lot (up toward Dublin, with the Ohio Society of CPAs), and I have a few clients down Route 33 toward Logan and (dare I say it) Ohio University.

Thank you! I'll be sure to stay in contact with you. It's good to know an experienced backpacker around here!

Good memories, Glenn. Did grad school at OU, and spent a whole lot of time in Hocking Hills, cause it was close and easy access. I think it saved my sanity.

I'm a Miami alum - are we allowed to even speak to each other?

Actually, having spent some time in Athens, I'd have to say that the biggest difference between Oxford (Miami) and Athens (OU) is that most of our bars have burned down.

Thank God they were yours! Actually, I have been back to Athens only once since I graduated in '91. Even then I was a hell of a lot too old for most of the Athens bar scene. A whole lot more comfortable at Old Man cave or over at Lake Hope.

Watch it, now, or we'll have to start posting Palmerfest photos!