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TRAAAAAAAIN!

Basically, if you want to climb mountains, you need to be fit. A weak person with the best gear and training money can buy is rolling the dice. A strong person with minimal gear and training is rolling loaded dice. A well trained person can move faster to avoid weather, is more resilient to heat and cold, can exert themselves for longer on minimal food, and can help their partner when their partner can't help themselves. Remember: fatigue makes cowards of us all.

Of course, you generally want to be strong and smart and well equipped. But the first thing to do is train. It's pretty simple right now - what you really need to do is build up your cardiovascular and slow-twitch muscle base - which means you need to go hiking a lot. Go backpacking or peakbagging on the weekends - or day hikes if you have constraints. During your day-to-day, walk and stand as much as possible. Go for a long run at least once a week, but keep a relatively low heart rate (if you have to open your mouth to breathe, you are going too fast). Do some core work, too - weightlifting or yoga are both quite good for this. For a far more complete description of how to train for hiking and mountaineering, I suggest picking up a copy of Training for the New Alpinism.

As for technical skills and knowledge - well, you can bag easy peaks with a minimal amount, but here's a list of skills that will get you started, in approximate order from least to most advanced:

Backpacking
You said you'd done day hikes before - have you been backpacking? If not, this is a crucial first step. There is a ton of information online, and it isn't terribly difficult or dangerous, so you should be able to learn on your own. Here is a pretty good gear list to get you started. Also, make sure you learn and abide by LNT.

Wilderness First Aid
This is obviously good to know if you plan on tackling difficult or remote peaks. While there are many resources online (and you could get a decent overview simply by going through the requirements for the Boy Scouts' First Aid Merit Badge, this is one of the few things where I recommend paying for professional instruction. Getting a wilderness first aid certification can be very informative if you don't already have the knowledge.

Light/Ultralight Backpacking
Lighter packs move faster. Moving faster is safer. Learn to pare down the weight of your backpack to the bare minimum. This can be accomplished mostly by improvising gear out of common lightweight items, or simply going without - though it is possible to spend quite a bit of money to shave those last few ounces. /r/ultralight is a good source, as is backpackinglight.

Sport Climbing
If you want to tackle mountains with technical climbing, you need to know how to climb. While you might find yourself under the wing of a crusty old mountaineer who will be having none of those sissy-ass bolts, the fact is that the easiest and most common path to learning technical climbing these days starts in the climbing gym and at the sport crag. Unfortunately, this is where things can start getting expensive. In order to start learning how to climb, you'll need a pair of rock shoes at the very least to boulder. In order to start roped climbing, you'll need a harness and a belay device. In order to be a fully fledged sport climber, you'll need a rope (70m is the new standard, get that) and around 12 quickdraws; I also recommend a helmet.

As far as actually learning, there are a number of routes you can take. The most common is to get a rock gym membership. This is probably the best way, since it will expose you to the greatest number of potential climbing partners and increase your movements skills as fast as possible. Just hanging around the gym is usually enough to make a few friends to get outside with, and then they can teach you how to set anchors and lead sport. Unfortunately, gym memberships are expensive and there aren't too many rock gyms in Wyoming. Another option is to find some sort of social club for climbing in your area - I'm sure there are quite a few in your area if you poke around a bit. You'll be able to make friends and learn skills, but you'll be limited since the only practice you'll get will be on sporadic weekends. A third option is to try to teach yourself - the others are easier, but this is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. I suggest picking up a copy of Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills if you choose to go this route. Just remember to double-check everything, because if you mess up, you could die. A final option, and the one I suggest least, is to hire someone to teach you. This is very expensive, and although most guides provide excellent instruction, I feel that most people are taught better by learning from peers and making their own judgements on what to and not to do, based on reason and evidence.

Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Avalanche Certification
Mountains have snow. You need to navigate that snow. Learning to ski and snowshoe is fairly straightforward, but learning how not to die in an avalanche is rather difficult. Again, pay for a course.

Trad Climbing
Sport climbing familiarizes you with the fundamentals of movement on rock, belaying, and climbing above your protection. Traditional, or "trad" climbing, teaches you to place your own protection. You'll need a set of nuts (DMM makes some good ones), about 10 alpine draws, and a set of cams (cha-ching!). Once again, you can try to find some friends to teach you, teach yourself (pick up either Long's or Luebben's book), or hire someone to teach you.

Finally, don't fall into the "couple trap". I assume you're going to want your boyfriend to join you when you go out - that's great! But don't let your boyfriend be your one and only partner. For one thing, you'll severely limit the amount of knowledge you'll be able to absorb. For another, you'll be limited in when you'll be able to get out to when you are both able to - while backpacking and bagging easy peaks on your own is fine, pushing yourself solo is not suggested. And finally, it just won't be as fun - joining a community of people who you literally trust with your life is truly fantastic, and the relationships you build climbing mountains are really as important as the climbs themselves.

Decided to do the Foothills Trail so we could get some warmer weather being from Iowa. Did it in four nights, averaged about 20 miles per day. Ate 3,500 calories/day doing no cook to save weight not lose any body weight.

Gear:

• Miraposa GG 60L pack - worked great and fit all of my food. Back never got sore once.
  
  
• Cascadia Brooks 11 Trail Runners - Finally got a pair of trail runners that work for me. La Sportiva, Solomon, etc. all did not fit me. These things dried out like a champ and were light weight.
  
  
• Merino Minus 33 wool tops and bottoms. Worked amazingly. Kept me warm, dry, and stink free. However, the quality leaves something to be desired. Started fraying. I realize that wool isn't the strongest of materials, but these things won't last too long unfortunately.
  
  
• Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Fishing Pole - Small, lightweight, inexpensive, great quality, collapsible, comes with a carrying case that fits perfectly in my pack.
  
  
• NEMO Hornet 1P - love everything about this tent, especially the weight. The zipper to the door can be a little bit of a pain to zip up if you don't have the right tension in the fabric, but other than that, it's awesome. A little extra headroom would be nice, but it's nothing that's been a problem.
  
  Trail:
  
  
• Such an amazing trail and well marked.
  
• Fairly difficult. There were almost no parts of the trail that were just flat. You were either going up or down.
  
• Beautiful views. My favorite parts were the top of the mountain at table rock and walking alongside the Chattooga for several miles.
  
• Fishing wasn't great. We didn't catch much, but it's hard to get good fishing in when you're hiking 20 miles/day.
  
  Things I would have done differently:
  
  
• Made sure my two hiking partners were ready to hike 20 miles/day prior to going. I think it was a bit more than they thought it would be, but we still had a blast.
  
  
• Bring less first aid stuff. If you get hurt, you can call someone. I don't really need band aids for scrapes. Ibuprofen is about all I need for muscle aches.
  
  
• Need advice on water filters. The Sawyer Mini worked great, but the flow rate is not up to speed for me. We estimated that we filtered about 15-20 gallons of water between the three of us. One friend had a water filter pump and I used the Sawyer. Most of our downtime was filtering water which kind of sucked. Is there something that works faster? It was hot so we were pounding the water.
  
  Shuttle:
  
  
• We used Heyward Douglas who operates on a volunteer basis. We each gave him a $20 bill. He was the nicest guy ever and gave us lots of good advice. Even called me after we were done to make sure we were safe and ask how we liked the trail. He picked us up at Oconee State Park and brought us to Table Rock State Park where we hiked back to our car.
  
  Snakes:
  
  
• We saw three different types of snakes (all non-venomous). My buddy has an intense phobia of them and almost peed his pants the first time we saw one.
  
  Pros of the trail:
  
  
• Well marked.
  
• Difficult.
  
• Decent cell phone reception.
  
• Waterfalls every mile.
  
• No problem with water sources for drinking due to the previous bullet.
  
• Plenty of trees for hammocking (which my friend did) and tying up a bear bag.
  
• I believe we were the only group we saw that was thru hiking.
  
• People were very nice! We love the south!
  
  Cons of the trail:
  
  
• Saw many day hikers.
  
• Guide books were kind of pricey (I have a guide book I'll send to someone if they cover the shipping).
  
• 20 miles/day were kinda hard on the knees.
  
• Last 15 miles of the trail to the west were pretty uneventful/not many views.
  
  Guidebook:
  
  
• I used 'Hiking South Carolina's Foothills Trail' by Scott Lynch. Worked great and it was really small.
  
  Footwear:
  
  
• I highly recommend trail runners... I was the only person from my group who didn't have any blisters.
  
  All gear I used was ultralight. Please ask questions regarding what gear I used and how I liked going no cook. If you plan on doing this trail anytime in the future, I highly recommend it. I did a lot of research on it and hiked it straight through, so I think I could help out a lot if you have any questions about planning a thru/day hike on it!
  

https://www.rei.com/product/127720/rei-co-op-backpacking-bundle

That's a pretty good deal for what you get. Note that the sleeping pad is not an optional item. You need insulation from the ground. You'll also need a pack, and on a budget I would recommend the REI Coop Flash 55. REI has a reputation for being expensive, but the REI brand stuff tends to be pretty good value.

You can also keep an eye on used gear on Craigslist. It's not uncommon to find used gear in good condition for 50% off retail. Good brands to look out for are Osprey for packs, Big Agnes for tents, Western Mountaineering/Feathered Friends for bags (tons of brands here), and Thermarest for pads. There are way more good brands (e.g. NEMO), but those are the big ones known for high quality.

Beyond those four things, you will need:

• Cook set: Stove and a pot. The MSR Pocket Rocket is great, but if you're really strapped for cash you can make a DIY alcohol stove out of a beer can (I really don't recommend it). This is a really popular pot for backpacking on the cheap. For utensils, grab a plastic spork from Taco Bell or something. Knorr pasta sides + spam singles are a great cheap backpacking dinner. You can also ignore all of this and just eat cold food.
  
• Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze. Watch some youtube videos on how to use it.
  
• Headlamp: Black Diamond is the main brand here. Just get the cheapest one you can find, or skip it and bring the lightest flashlight you own.
  
• First aid kit: Don't buy a premade one. You need ibuprofen, benadryl (doubles as a sleep aid), anti-diarrhea (not necessary but when you need it you really need it), assorted bandaids, strong tape, gauze, and neosporin.
  
• Water storage: 1L Smartwater bottles (or any brand of 1L plastic bottles, but Smartwater is the classic backpacker choice for their superior durability). Necessary capacity depends on where you're going, but at least 2L.
  
• Rain gear: Frogg Toggs
  
• Insulating layer: You probably own a fleece or puffy already, so bring that.
  
• Miscellaneous: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bug spray
  
  I probably forgot something but that should cover it.

We actually went in late March, but Utah had a much colder winter/early spring last year. It got to the upper thirties overnight, and all three hammockers used sleeping bags and inflatable pads for warmth. I personally used a 0-degree Teton Leef bag and insulated Klymit Static V, and slept in thermals, fleece, down vest, and a beanie. I like to sleep warm, haha.

I'm confident enough about the trees that if I had a permit for #5 right now, going just off what I remember, I'd bring a hammock and maybe a bivy sack just in case. I'm like 90% sure it'd be fine. The campsites are beaten down enough that going to ground wouldn't be super difficult anyway. Note, though, that the trees in #4 are pretty low and bendy, so don't be surprised if you wake up on the ground anyway.

BTW I found a blog of someone that camped at #5 but the only picture that says it was taken from the campsite was this one.

edit: you HAVE to go see Kolob Arch; it's amazing.

For a complete beginner I usually recommend you pick up a book. There's so much information that it's hard to get anything from Reddit replies.
The top 3
The Ultimate Hikers Guide

The Backpackers Field Manual

The Complete Walker IV

The first one is probably the most easily digestible. The 3rd is my favorite but that's just because I enjoy the writing style.
I'd suggest grab one or more of those books and start getting an understanding of all the gear. You could start with some easy overnight trip. A quick overnight on the PCT is easily accomplished from Portland.

Also if you're in Portland, head over to the REI in the Pearl district. The have all the Portland Green Trails maps. They are the greatest maps around IMO.

I hiked the WHW at pretty much the exact same time of year back in 2013. It's a colder and rainy time of year but no midges.

I took 7 days as such:
Day 1: Train from Glasgow to Milngavie (Official starting point) > Drymen (12 miles)

Day 2: Drymen > Rowardennan (14 miles)

Day 3: Rowardennan > Inverarnan (14 miles)

Day 4: Inverarnan > Tyndrum (12 miles)

Day 5: Tyndrum > Kingshouse (20 miles)

Day 6: Kingshouse > Kinlochleven (8 miles)

Day 7: Kinlochleven > Fort William (15 miles)

First thing, the most important... if possible, do yourself a favor and do not start at Inverarnan. You're skipping Loch Lomond and it's easily one of the most beautiful sections. If you must shave off time, start at Drymen. This will shave off the first day of hiking. Milngavie to Drymen is probably the least interesting section. Drymen should have buses. Being at Loch Lomond, it's a popular vacation area.

Also keep in mind Ben Nevis could be snow covered and trecherous. In 2013, even some of the lower peaks were snow covered at the end of April. My photo from Loch Lomond back in 2013

Another helpful thing, buy a trail guide book. They not only include basic maps and such but also tons of information about where to find villages, transportation, stores, food, lodging, etc... As well as detailed descriptions of each section of the trail and what you'll encounter. I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/West-Highland-Way-Large-Scale-Villages/dp/1905864760/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521904053&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=west+highland+way+charlie+lola.

If you need to cut even more time, you could use a baggage transfer service. You tell them which locations you want your bag and on which days. You can have them move your heavy stuff (tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, etc) and you can have just a daypack. From there, doing ~20 mile days might not be too awful and you could save a day or two.

Hi!

We had a tight acclimatization schedule (about 5 days total before day 1), so we took Diamox. We also have experience trekking over 10,000 feet (PCT thru hike and lots of climbing volcanos in the Pacific Northwest) and knew that we generally handle altitude well as long as we stay hydrated. I did feel generally tired, and the second day of the trip I just felt bad (no nausea or headache, just tired and irritable) so we rested that afternoon and I felt better later. But overall, it didn’t hinder our trip.

Logistics:

We went without a guide but many people choose to use local guides and arrieros (mule packers). Though I think guided trips don’t typically take this route. Guided trips aren’t our thing, and they’re not required, so we chose to go without.

We flew to Lima, then took a night bus to Huaraz after a few days acclimatizing in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Then we did an acclimatization hike outside of Huaraz. Transportation is very cheap, and Huaraz is a fun base camp city.

Finally on the first morning of the trip we took two buses to a village called Pocpa. Then we walked a road to the beginning of the trek. Most people spend the first night at the campsite at the beginning of the trek. We actually were able to hitchhike with mining trucks so it took us until around 12:30 pm to get to the start of the trail. We chose to eat lunch and keep moving.

Like I mentioned, we were able to finish the trail in 8 days. I wouldn’t have wanted to move any faster than we did.

There were 3 other people doing the trip without a guide at the same pace as us. There were a few other groups that were large and guided. But camp never felt terribly crowded.

Overall it was 8 days of jaw-dropping hugeness and feeling like I was on another planet. The landscape makes you feel tiny. There are lots of challenging alternate routes that require routefinding and map reading skills. We loved these routes compared to the mule route.

My pack baseweight is about 14 lbs right now. I’d say total weight was about 35 lbs with food and water. We didn’t measure though.

We carried enough food for 7 days and then resupplied in Huallapa, a town on day 6. It wasn’t much of a town. We were there at the end of hiking season so most places were closed. There was very little lightweight hiking food, and while our guidebook said there was a restaurant, we ended up asking the only people we met in town besides the innkeeper if they would make us food and they served us eggs, rice and potatoes in their backyard for about $3 per person. I was glad we overpacked food.

A couple more things: the route passes through around 7 communities land, and you pay a fee to each community to use their land and camp. It cost about $3-10 USD per community.

Also, our guidebook can provide much better info than I can. Here it is.

I have Injinji toe sock liners but tend not to use them other than alone. I'd ask why use liners, like Johnny Gator asked? Injinji and other sock company's socks and footwear materials and designs have come along way in the past 20 or so yrs incorporating liner traits into one sock. My feet traits and ability to proactively address hot spots and choose socks and footwear more appropriate to my personal experiences also factor.

​

I really like The NuWool Outdoor Mid wt Mini Crew having 3x prs. They are 43% merino not 100 % or much closer to it like Smartwool. Even SW has mixed material sock styles. It has helped decrease in between toe hot spots that lead to blisties. https://www.injinji.com/outdoor-midweight-mini-crew-nuwool.html

As Headsizeburrito(lol) said, if I too keep my nails trimmed and filed like a runner and avoid flaky or athletes foot, rough skin(good hygiene) while not being impatient getting them on each toe right and not wearing them everyday for two wks without laundering on a hike they last. For example, I've had my first pr more than two yrs and I wear then at home and on thrus ALOT. I have them on now writing this. Mindfulness laundering, as afterwards the toes tend to mush into the main body of the sock. If I tried jamming them on my feet before pulling each toe back out they wouldn't last as long. Similarly with other sock brands and styles that some say don't last as long as DT's. Laundering according to directions increases longevity.

It would be wise not to demean an entire brand of socks based on one model or limited use. Same with SW, Darn Tough, etc. I have less time on the Injinji Coolmax versions which I tend to use less as a sock material backpacking.

Gel backed stretchy fabric toe sleeves cut to size can also work https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M6SCCR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_8?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B074M6SCCR&pd_rd_w=NrB62&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=g0F36&pf_rd_r=YNPB4MQAFFMWY8H7EWTE&pd_rd_r=72377242-0eb6-451a-a24c-b7dcb2fee47c&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRVpaUjNCUjNaQTFVJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTMzMDE2MkEwOERBQzM5M00yViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE3MDQ2Sk9TQ09LMjFTOTNSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Make sure you have appropriate fitting shoes and the entire "shoe system"ie; socks, gaiters shoes, orthotics etc

Hope that helps.

I use this

G-raphy Camera Insert Bag with Sleeve Camera Case (Orange)

and put in in the bottom most part of whichever hiking bag I'm using. For my larger pack (65L) (https://www.amazon.com/Teton-Sports-Internal-High-Performance-Backpacking/dp/B000F34ZKS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QLFXUFBOG8OX&keywords=teton+backpack+65l&qid=1550902518&s=gateway&sprefix=65l+teto%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-2).

I put it in the sleeping bag compartment like arcana73. Then use the outside loops of the sleeping compartment usually used for tents for the tripod. Want to keep that weight low for stability and to maximize comfort. That insert bag holds my canon 6d body, my 70-300mm, my 50mm pancake, and my 14mm rokinon wide lens. I use a seperate bag I got for my iOptron skytracker to hold filters, remote shutter, additional sds, and so on. For my tent and sleeping bag I simply just put those in the main compartment, opting usually for a light hammock set-up when the weather's good.

​

Overall I think a larger backpacking pack will do wonders for the duality you want, leaving room for food and supplies you'll need for those few days. Just be sure to get a nice insert to organize your gear and make sure you get a bag that allows it to be readily accessible like with a sleeping bag compartment, it will save you alot of headache of not having to take out all your stuff to get to your camera!

​

PS When looking into his I'd recommend also getting some external mounting system for your camera onto your packso you can minimize stopping time for fool around in the bag to put the camera in and out. Something like the Peak Design's clip (https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjig_Pfm9HgAhUVjcgKHef7BOMYABAIGgJxdQ&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESEeD2tnd3YimtpuoDUrupzsjx&sig=AOD64_1VNtF2qgoCRHRekkWs4nNs0xkT6Q&ctype=5&q=&ved=0ahUKEwj21Ozfm9HgAhWtm-AKHQoIC58Q9aACCDc&adurl=https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086507-REG/peak_design_cp_2_capture_pro_camera_clip.html/?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2L7jBRCBARIsAPeAsaMvphVGvlxGsKqAxoQjry9wyVVOGvLmxwoq7sOaB7o-6ePuao0kMUUaAmGkEALw_wcB&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y) helps a lot with this subtle annoyance.

the bible

Your mileage may vary with that.

Perhaps a better option, I've always liked the idea of hanging topo-maps on my walls when they aren't in use, just never got around to buying an actual map (so much more convenient to print it from caltopo).

Most of the stuff you mentioned will depend on the hiker's personality and what they like - I don't have a use for keychains - even if they are cool, they will end up in a drawer and I won't feel bad about that. On the other hand, I would adore a book thats simply pictures of various trails around my area, doesn't even have to have words (though a rough idea of the area they were taken at sure helps for when I see those amazing views and want to go inspect up close). Still, my hiking buddy is the exact opposite.

^^You ^^seriously ^^can ^^never ^^go ^^wrong ^^with ^^park ^^passes ^^though

https://www.amazon.com/White-Mountains-Trail-Map-Hampshire/dp/1890060232 I would check out this map, this is what my friends and use, it also lists all the 4000 footers if your into that. The presidentials are worth checkin out. The Moriah/Carter ridge is also cool IMO and it looks like you could put together a good loop in the Wild River Wilderness. The cool thing with the whits is there are so many trails you can put together an loop to fit any time frame with a little bit of planning. We always do point to point since we always have 2 cars so nothing specifically comes to mind. Good luck!

I really like some couscous, curry powder, cashews, raisins and olive oil. Really filling, easy to make, cheap and easy to feed a group.

The best thing I've made was Khao Soi:

instant raman noodles (without the seasoning, reserve a few)

Khao Soi seasoning (ex. https://www.amazon.com/Lobo-Brand-Thai-Kao-Seasoning/dp/B000ESIDBQ)

dehydrated coconut milk (ex. https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Coconut-Milk-Powder-Pack/dp/B01CLJYZ1C/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=coconut+milk+powder&qid=1557597003&s=gateway&sr=8-8)

pouch of chicken (optional)

toppings: chili flakes, freeze dried cilantro, freeze dried shallots, powdered lime juice,

​

cook the noodles, mix in the seasoning, coconut milk powder and a bit of lime juice powder, then crumble the reserved raman noodles on top, toss in chicken if desired then top with the chili flakes, cilantro and shallots to taste. Enjoy your gourmet backpacking meal

Klymit static v is the best buy of the inflatables

The Z-lite Sol - regular is on sale here is the best buy of the foam pads. Naturehike knockoff

My recommendations on what to look for: Comfort supercedes weight in my opinion. Get whatever setup you need to sleep well. If you are a side or stomach sleeper, I recommend a wide pad. Wide pads start to be a problem when you have to put them side by side in a smaller tent. Warm pad is also helpful. We spend hundreds for a down bag to keep the top and sides of us warm... then spend dollars to keep the bottom of us warm. The problem is in the metrics. R value for pads, vs temp ratings for bags. Pads should be (and easily could be) temp rated like bags. I recommend a warmer/heavier pad for the most versatility because you are most likely to be camping in cold conditions where it matters, more than warm conditions where it doesn't.

For the heavier/taller people or side/roller sleepers this mat is 30inches wide and 76 inches long. It weighs about 2 pounds (ouch) but you might want to add a pound for this comfort range. Klymit static v luxe insulated. It also comes in a lighter uninsulated version.

20 inches wide is not wide enough in my opinion. If you can sleep like a mummy on your back with your arms crossed above you, then 20 inches is fine. Other than that... measure yourself... you'll find you are wider than 20 inches. This will lend you to balancing precariously on your pad.

I'm going to post a link to my gear that I have. Everything in the picture is about $800 total

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/arck5m/2019_gear/

Definitely shop around for sales. The Gregory backpack in my post, I was able to find it for $130 online and then they had a first time 20% discount that I applied, ended up getting it for $106 after S&H. That was with Campmor.com.

You definitely don't need to spend a lot on a water filter system. Most people here and in r/ultralight will swear by the Sawyer Squeeze. It's about $30, not really going to find it cheaper elsewhere unfortunately, trust me I tried. Tablets would probably work just fine to be honest, especially in the Smokey's. I did an Outward Bound 14 day backpacking trip in Pisgah which is next door to it and we only used iodine.

My sleeping bag in my post, normal MSRP was $340. I got it for $170 at an REI garage sale in Dacemeber. Saved a lot of money there.

For a sleeping pad, really depends on if you're a side sleeper or not. If you sleep on your side, you do not want to get a closed cell foam pad, which is that one's you mentioned earlier about people using them down to their butts. Personally I have the REI Flash insulated and it's comfortable and not too expensive. Another popular pad here and on r/ultralight is the Klymit Static-V insulated which is about $90.

For trekking poles, personally I would absolutely invest in a pair. Especially in the Smokey's, the terrain isn't always forgiving when you're carrying a larger backpack and they'll help with any stream crossings. The one's I have are these. Very cheap, but very durable. Definitely no need to buy $100+ poles.

Definitely keep shopping around though if you find something you like.

I have an Osprey Aura 65 that I love. It is very comfortable and can hold a lot.

Sleeping pad: Thermarest Z lite. Cheap and light and comfy. https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Lite-Mattress-Regular/dp/B005I6R0WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503837564&sr=8-1&keywords=z%2Blite%2Bsleeping&th=1&psc=1

Pillow: https://www.amazon.com/Trekology-Ultralight-Inflating-Camping-Pillows/dp/B071ZPMGQ9/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1503837613&sr=1-4&keywords=camping+pillow

Don't listen to people who tell you to leave your comfy stuff behind, if that is what makes camping fun for you - bring it. Your chair, your cup, your coffee, your wine, your fresh clothes so you don't feel disgusting.

Pack your pack with what you think you want to bring (including water) and then walk around with it for a while. If it feels horribly heavy, unpack and see what you might leave behind - maybe you don't need as many changes of clothes (I am guilty of this one) or you can repack your toiletries into much smaller containers.

Then go on your trip! (weigh your pack before you leave) When you get back, get out your kitchen scale out and weigh things individually. Add up the weight of the things you didn't use and realize how much lighter your next trip will be. (except first aid stuff, which you won't always use. But that shouldn't be more than 5 ounces or so.)

And I wouldn't go post over at r /ultralight just yet. They will tell you things like "you don't need 2 bras" or "you can sit on a log and just eat your instant coffee to save the weight of the stove!" Obviously they have never experienced boob sweat. And I say this lovingly, I post over there. Reading there can give you some ideas though.

And car camping is a good way to bridge the gap between glamping and camping. It's how I started camping. It just lets you figure out how your tent set up will be, whether your cooking kit works for you, how your meals work, etc.

If you're willing to invest in it, Colin Fletcher's The Complete Walker is pretty much the bible of how to hike and backpack. Just about anything you would need to know is contained within its pages.

As you get started with day hikes, the most important thing to keep in mind as you plan what to bring is the 10 Essentials. This list comprises everything that everyone should be carrying on them at all times in the backcountry to stay safe and comfortable.

Good luck!

the model you linked is not only super heavy, but I doubt would get you near comfortable. you will also need to pair either bag with matching r value ground insulation. for instance a pad like this
https://www.amazon.ca/KLYMIT-Insulated-Static-Camping-Orange/dp/B00ANRW7DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494229667&sr=1-1&keywords=klymit+insulated+static+v THis is a huge mistake many people make. The ground insulation is paramount.

The model below is a better option.

https://www.amazon.ca/Sports-TrailHead-Ultralight-Sleeping-Orange/dp/B007JTLKCC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494229515&sr=1-1&keywords=teton+sleeping+bag

It's also better to NOT compress your bag. Line your pack with a trash compactor bag, push the sleeping bag into the bottom of your pack. Not in a stuff sack.

https://youtu.be/J1UZvwPnA_o

Olicamp mug/pot $12, 4oz weight, 20oz capacity

BRS 3000T Burner $15, 25g. It really is an amazing little micro stove.

Jetboil Flash LID This lid fits the Olicamp mug/pot perfectly! $6, plus shipping. About 1oz

A 100g canister fits perfectly inside, plus the BRS and a bic. The jetboil lid fits securely and keeps everything together.

Ditch the canteen.. carry your water in 1L and/or 750ml smartwater/lifewater bottles. Seriously. It’s durable, and weighs significantly less.

Freedom of the Hills is a good resource. Also r/Mountaineering. I'm not familiar with your area, I could point you to some good first peaks in Washington. But I'd recommend seeing if there is a mountaineering club around you that hosts classes and group climbs, and then use it to make some friends to hike with, and figure out where some good beginner snowfields and glaciers are. Get an ice axe and crampons and learn how to use them, and practice self arrests on a safe snowfield.

These are a little spendy but are actually purpose built. Honestly though, having gone down this road a number of times I would suggest sticking to an aluminum or titanium cook pot to boil your water in and use your favorite over the counter bottled water brand bottle of choice. I personally like Smart Water brand. They're stupid durable, available in a variety of shapes and sizes. When you're done with your camping trip just throw it away and get another one next time.

I bought a small digital scale for cooking - for weighing out recipe ingredients to the gram.

Then I started using it to weigh every piece of gear I own and take. The theory follows Colin Fletcher's maxim in his work The Complete Walker: 'take care of the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves'.

I found, for example, that my 'lightweight' plastic fork is heavier than the titanium one that I was not using (for, being metal, it should be heavier, though this was not in fact true).

If I were you, I would weigh everything in this picture and see if I could find replacements that are lighter but are still functionally equivalent.

For example, your coffee filter - pretty big chunk of plastic (and it requires a finite supply of paper filters); how many grams is it? And is it lighter than this one? I bet, with careful research, you could reduce the weight of your filter by 50%.

Sit on a log or a rock? I carry a <1oz piece of foam as a sit pad. But I wouldn't bring a book because it's heavy and nature is amazing all by itself. (that's just me though)

I usually bring a hammock rather than sleep on the ground, so since I already have that along it's great for lounging. r/hammockcamping

I drink coffee/mixed drink (whisky and water) straight out of my 2.5oz aluminum cook pot/mug: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004444XMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_lyYNzbQEFTK4N

Bringing a second container is redundant weight.

https://sectionhiker.com/best-backpacking-cook-pots-how-to-choose/ - that explains the different materials used in pots


If I were you, I'd rethink some things. Do you really need a cooler to go backpacking (no)? Why would you rather cook over an open flame than on a controllable (and light 25grams and cheap $15) stove? https://www.amazon.com/BRS-Outdoor-Camping-Portable-Ultralight/dp/B00NNMF70U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543415965&sr=8-2&keywords=bsr+stove


For me, backpacking is about minimalization in every aspect which greatly helps minimize weight which helps me maximize fun.

Definitely pick up a copy of Freedom of the Hills.

While this isn't a book I recommend you carry around on a backpacking trip, it is an amazing reference for anyone that backpacks, climbs, or mountaineers.

Cheers.

This is probably where I would start if I wanted a book

https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Tested-Thru-Hikers-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/076278783X

Lots of great info in here:

https://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/skills

This is basically the dictionary/reference for anything outdoors

https://www.amazon.com/Mountaineering-Freedom-Hills-8th-Mountaineers/dp/1594851387

Lots of great content on youtube and vimeo, but a lot of it is opinion based

https://vimeo.com/sierradesigns Look for the SD Live talks

Good stuff on reddit too

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/wiki/index/literature_and_resources

Durability and insulation - R-value. A pad with little or no insulation is going to sap the life right out of you. If you're usually out in hot weather, then it doesn't really matter. You for the most part get what you pay for, but if what you have is floating yer boat then it's all good.

I like my Klymit Static V insulated. Packs small, reasonably lite, and keeps me warm.

I think visiting a city of over 1M people is far more dangerous than strolling a trail and watching sunsets over lakes.

If you’ve hiked and camped already, then you are 2/3rds a backpacker already.

I say just go for an short overnight, with a friend or alone. Try it. You really don’t need anything special to start.

The best backpacking advice & gear I can recommend is just one $10 book - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/

My personal recommendation, especially if you are in only OKAY shape, take them (two of them) even if you were going with 0 pounds of gear. They are worth it on your knees alone, and can help your pace. You dont have to spend much. But if i had to recommend one set it would be these.https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Carbon-Trekking/dp/B00XM0YGW8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485792994&sr=1-1&keywords=mountain+tech+trekking+poles+cork

I learned too late to save me any money but if I knew then, or if the one thing I wish I'd known; go UL (ultra light). The lighter and smaller your kit the more places you can go. My current set up can be put into a backpack and making ten or twenty miles a day on trail. Put into water proof stuff sacks and strapped to my mountain bike or slid into the cargo holds of my kayak. Add my fly fishing kit and throw it all in my Jeep.

If this sounds good then I would read Andy Skurka's gear book.

$5 at Walmart, or my local grocery store (C-Town). $8 on amazon.

Another option that people love is the Imuza. Comes in 10CM and 12CM widths.

First, yer gonna die. I say this only partially in jest, because your question indicates you haven't done the initial research on your own, and I can make a fairly good guess at how the story will play out, particularly if you were to attempt it this late in the year.

Now that that's out of the way, I suggest you start with these two books:

• Lighten Up!: A Complete Handbook For Light And Ultralight Backpacking
  
• The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka
  
  You'll also need to learn how to use a map with both compass and GPS. (That link is just to get you started.)
  
  As others say, you need to do smaller trips at the very least to know what you can carry and how much elevation and distance you can cover in a day. If you don't know that, you can't budget your food and fuel, and so you'll fail. You also need to test all your gear beforehand. Oh, and leave a note with someone.
  
  

The three stoves below have worked great for me.

My current favorite is the BRS top-of-canister stove:
https://www.amazon.com/BRS-Outdoor-Camping-Portable-Ultralight/dp/B00NNMF70U. Extremely light, seems sturdy enough.

For a more substantial remote canister stove I use the FireMaple FMS 117t: https://www.amazon.com/FMS-117T-Titanium-Outdoor-Camping-Equipment/dp/B00UX07EQU.

I also use alcohol stoves, Trail Designs Caldera Cone: https://www.traildesigns.com/products/caldera-cone-system

I have many other stoves, I turn them on once in a while for nostalgia sake or use them car/kayak camping. I used a Svea for decades (fantastic stove, but too heavy now), also my MSR Expedition stove for winter. I use my Optimus 111B when I need a blowtorch to heat really large pots (e.g. boiling a dozen ears of corn). I could go on and on...

Skurka's 2nd edition book is excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/ref=dp_ob_title_sports

This book by long distance backpacker Andrew Skurka is quite useful. Anybody can pick it up and read it. He's all about taking only what you need via thorough preparation before your trip, but he isn't "stupid light" nor elitist about gear.

Monoprice Titanium Stove 1.7oz $20

Stanco Grease Pot 3oz $10

4oz isobutane for stove 4oz $5

This works really well for meals that are simply boiling water and adding to dehydrated food.

Last year I picked up this stove. Light as all getout and works well.

I also purchased zelph's fancee feast stove, but have yet to try it out at high elevation. This guy swears by his custom one though.

I got mine on Amazon:

IMUSA USA R200-10 Aluminum Mug 0.7-Quart, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004444XMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eP6fAbR83S1V5

I would consider a headlight or a sleeping pad

Depending on what type of cooking you want to do a homemade alcohol stove and a grease pot will let you cook all of these recipes. from Andrew Surka http://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/food-nutrition/meal-recipes/

It seems to be $53 on Amazon and $60 for your link? Am I looking at a different one?

everything you will ever need to know is in here https://www.amazon.com/Backpackers-Field-Manual-Revised-Updated/dp/1400053099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469109212&sr=8-1&keywords=backpacker+field+guide

Pick up Andrew Skurka's book on gear.

The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426217846/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kbrSAbAWHJAHE

Andrew covered that. Saves you from rebuying the whole kit until you finally get it right: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Techniques/dp/1426209207

Sterno is a terrible fuel for backpacking. I'd use a canister fuel stove. A cheap option is the BRS 3000 - link here.

An alternative would be to build your own alcohol stove, which is easy but slightly more finicky. Follow the rough directions [here] (http://andrewskurka.com/2011/how-to-make-a-fancy-feast-alcohol-stove/)

I'll remember that for next time. I've already packed it all away, but I might drag it out and take some pics. My foot is pretty banged up so it'll be a minute. But Ill give you a short list :)

Pack: Osprey Exos 58

Sleeping Bag: Teton Sports Tracker

Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1

Tarp: Ultimate Survival Hex tarp

Mess kit: Mess kit and Mug

Water Filtration: Sawyer Mini

Tools/Defense: Note: Normally I would only take one knife, but I wasn't sure which I would prefer as they're two quite different blades. Ka-Bar Becker BK2, Condor Bushlore, and Bear Spray

Stove: MSR PocketRocket

First Aid: I had the Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper, and then added to that with Celox and an Israeli Bandage

Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech CF with Cork Grips

In addition I had a few little things in a small kit; Ferro rod, duct tape, trail blazes, chemical water purifiers in case my Sawyer failed, bug spray, a small thing of sunscreen (which I didn't end up needing as it was overcast), deodorant, TP, etc.