Cindy, welcome to The Lightweight Backkpacker! Check out the articles and gear lists on the home page of this site, left hand column. You'll find all sorts of advice on gear selection and other aspects of backpacking there.

Another good article for beginners is this one by an experienced thru-hiker who is also an instructor for Andew Skurka:


Edited by OregonMouse (01/17/14 01:19 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey