I'm planning my first trip for late april. It will be a weekend in central pennsylvania. It could potentially be followed by a week in the smokey mountains a few weeks later. This will be with someone quite experienced. I have almost no gear. Only thing i have is pocket knives, lighters and flashlights. I'm looking at the 18lb 3 day list as a point of reference.

What might be a smarter way to go when it comes to gear. Buy the cheapest i can find for decent quality, or get some nicer stuff right away. My though was while it may be more trouble with heavier, cheaper stuff, i could find out what qualities I want in the items.

Is their any way to cut costs and still be prepared? I would prefer to just buy as opposed to make myself.