You could do what I did my first backpacking trip, steal your stepsisters neon green bookbag grab 5 cans of pork and beans an old quilt from the attic well you get the point.

This site with the homepage to read is an amazing way to get started. Most opinions are based on experience and will save you alot of time and money.

Buying closeout when you start is a great way to find deals and i still do it today. Be sure to check places return policy, not all are as good as REI, so be sure you can return gear if it don't work for you.

hvae fun learning
peace
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"In the beginers mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."
Shunryu Suzuki