Reddit mentions of Sawyer Products SP137 Squeeze Water Filtration System with One Pouch, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapters,Black/Blue

Red River Gorge in KY is the best backpacking you'll find within 4 hours of you.

As for the water filter - don't get that. Get this and never look back: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP137-PointOne-Hydration/dp/B00WG9AFW6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1457558191&sr=8-4&keywords=sawyer+squeeze+filter+system

I'm kind of in the same boat as you are. Started backpacking maybe about 2 months ago and had a ton of old gear. Carrying 35 lbs over 26 miles was no fun, and when I came back home to research lighter stuff I kept finding things that were hundreds of dollars a piece. I did a ton of research and found some good quality gear at a budget level.

Mind the formatting/spelling errors. On mobile.

Tent - $70 - Geertop 1 Person 3 Season 20D Ultralight Backpacking Tent for Camping Hiking Climbing (Trekking Poles NOT Included)(Inner Tent is Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9XWJEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hE-PBbG3XQVVQ

Sleeping System (2 parts)

Quilt - $35 - Double Black Diamond Packable Down Throw with Stuff Sack, 60" x 70" (Peacock) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YX2W79/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.F-PBbJ5R45V4

Pad - $40 - WellaX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad – Inflatable Camping Mat for Backpacking, Traveling and Hiking Air Cell Design for Better Stability & Support –Plus Repair Kit (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PHYVD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_60-PBbA71XR3R

*note I sleep warm and wear layers. I found the quilt to be good for 3 season camping in the temperate CA conditions. The pad helps with the cold and I'm a side sleeper so the pad is a requirement for me. YMMV.

Poles - $22 (needed for the tent listed above) - BAFX Products - 2 Pack - Anti Shock Hiking / Walking / Trekking Trail Poles - 1 Pair, Blue, Royal Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YT854S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sI-PBb1S6HSMG

Cook pot - $11 - G4Free Outdoor Camping pan Hiking Cookware Backpacking Cooking Picnic Bowl Pot Pan Set 4 Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit(2 PCS-Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQSHG3N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fK-PBb0YKV8R3

I cook simple meals that mostly require just boiling water. It's also large enough to fit my soap, stove, and gas can in.

Stove - $14 - Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove with Piezo Ignition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4FY8YO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dM-PBb3M334JD


Water filtration (4 parts)
Dirty water bag - $20 - Cnoc Outdoors Vecto 2L Water Container, 28mm, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NQT5KP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DN-PBbFGE74F0

Clean water bag - $13 - Platypus Platy 2-Liter Ultralight Collapsible Water Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J2KEGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CO-PBbZ2HXVZV

Filter - $37 - Sawyer Products SP137 PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System with 16-Ounce Pouch, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WG9AFW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1P-PBbX4F8JW4

Filter attachment - $3 - Sawyer Products SP150 Coupling for Water Filtration Cleaning https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018NJC1A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YQ-PBbDFGGM0D

With this water system you have the option of gravity feeding your water supply at camp. You can also simplify by just buying the $37 kit and just squeeze directly into your water bottle/bladder, but I find this setup more convenient.

After that, the rest are kind of up to you. Food, clothes, etc. I wouldn't skimp on shoes though. Look into trail runners or hiking SHOES (not boots).

Optional things I'd look into is paracord and a tarp especially if you're going to camp in the rain. You can also look into hammock camping which would be a little more budget friendly than the tent + blanket option.

Overall there are definitely cheaper options but I find this to be a good balance of price, weight, and convenience.

All in all this is about $265.

The sawyer squeeze is just a better filter than the life straws. It has better flow and is more functional because of the threading on it and closeable cap. The best way to go is you get a durable bag type water bottle like this

Then you attach the Sawyer squeeze and you can squeeze out 3 liters super fast to fill up other containers like your hydration carrier or water bottles.

Well... I'll get you started. As you're new to this, please ask lots and lots of questions.

Temperature in late September: it can range from 8-20 C during the day. For the most part, it'll be around 0-2 C overnight, but you might run into a -5C night.

There is access to the Highlands trail from the back of the Mew Lake campground. However, in the fall (I'm not sure of the exact date), I believe that you have to check in at the West Gate for the Highlands. But, either way, don't worry - your bus will stop at the West Gate.

For Western Uplands, you definitely have to check in at the West Gate year-round. From there, its a 3km walk up the road to the Oxtongue River Picnic Area which is also the trailhead for Western Uplands. You may also be able to hitch a ride from the West Gate.

There are next to no bugs in the fall.

The lakes will be cool. Certainly, some brave souls do swim. Personally, its a bit cold for me.

Yes, Algonquin does have both black bears and wolves. It'll be unlikely that you see one, and extremely unlikely that one will pursue you. However, make sure to hang your food, dishes, and toiletries as night about 200' from your tent.

Water is abundant throughout Algonquin. I doubt you could hike more than an hour without crossing a lake or stream. Of course, like everywhere, there are viruses and bacteria - so, make sure to boil, chemically treat, or filter your water. Personally, I use a Sawyer Squeeze and also bring backup Aquatabs in my med kit - but there are lots of choices available.

Is it safe for a solo female? For the most part - 99.9% - yes. I've never heard of any harassment in the Algonquin backcountry.

In the fall, I would not expect to see a lot of people on the trail. Probably 1-3 groups of hikers each day. The campsites are fairly secluded, so there won't be anyone around at night.

As for cell phone reception: there is reception along the highway, but expect none on the backpacking trails.