Hi guys and gals. Let me introduce myself. I am Patrick. I joined last year, but have been doing other things for some months. Now I'm back here reading and exploring because I want to outfit myself to climb nearby Jay Mountain and camp up there for a few days at a time. I used to have all the gear and plenty of money, and now I have little of both. <sniff> So, I'll start this by buying trail running shoes in April. I have a little Gregory Miwok that I suspect might be used in the endeavor, if I eliminate the bladder and hose, and maybe alter it somehow. I'm open to learning on the forum. i'll read about 2 day trips and see how many ounces i need to prepare to carry.