Been reading for a few weeks . . . . Lots of great information. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

New to backpacking, due to a scout troop wanting to be a little more adventurous. I'll be buying equipment for two, myself and my 13 year old son, so value and quality are very important. Gathering info, and checking sites for used equipment. Our first trip is not until the fall so there's time to shop. Hopefully I'll make the right decision's the first time . . . .

That'll be a first, for me . . . .

Welcome to the forum!

For tips on gear selection, check out the articles on the home page of this site, left-hand column.

Welcome - Scouting, with our sons, is the way more than one of us have come to this pastime.

One quick comment on tents (assuming the troop doesn't supply them): you'll need to determine sleeping arrangements before you start shopping. If your son will be tenting with another Scout, AND you will be sure of tenting with another adult who has a tent (or if you and your son will tent together), then a two-person tent will work; this would also be ideal because, if you and your son take your own trips without the troop, you can share the tent. However, if you can't be sure of the above arrangements, you may need two one-person tents. Also, though there are some who will recommend tarps because they're inexpensive and light, I'd suggest not going that route - in the East, the biting bugs are just too heavy.

As far as brands, Eureka, Kelty, and Sierra Designs are excellent quality, inexpensive (relative to other good brands), but a little on the heavy side. Coleman's Peak 1 line isn't too bad, if you pay close attention to workmanship and materials. You compensate for the weight by not carrying every little fancy gadget the store is willing to sell you. Under Armour works well for cold-weather layering.

If you're not already familiar with them, check out the Sierra Designs and Campmor websites - their prices tend to be more reasonable, and they carry many of the above.

Enjoy yourself - getting out there can be quite addictive.

Thanks for the welcome, the info and advice.

Spent around 20 hours reading over the last few weeks, and still have a lot to look at . . . .

Thanks again to everyone who shares their knowledge.