Plan for some "shakedown cruises" to learn to use your gear and learn some skills (like keeping dry in the rain) before heading out into the hills. The backyard (yours or a friend's) or a nearby campground would be good. Then try for short trips just a mile or two from the trailhead. It's a lot safer to learn skills when you can bail out when things go wrong!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey