WElcome!

That's a big question (actually,more than one!) and there is a ton of great advice on these boards already. WHy not take the time to peruse them and see?

And many of us have websites that also offer tons of advice, which may or may not be applicable, depending on where you live, where you are planning to hike, and when you are planning on doing it.

poke around, please!
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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963