Go to the home page of this site and read the articles listed in the left hand column. They will help you a lot with gear selection. Also go to Mark Verber's website for more good info on gear selection, including plenty of low-budget options.

I'd like to reinforce the advice to buy your pack last. Either a too-large pack or a too-small pack (the latter requiring you to tie stuff on the outside) will be off-balance and uncomfortable. In the meantime, rent or borrow.




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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey