Tent: Eureka Mountain Pass XT - decent size, nice features, lightweight, easy setup, slightly leaky floor, not a taut pitch. Pack: Gregory Palisades - firm padding on belt and shoulder straps take a "break-in" period, I hope. Eureka Apollo II -durable construction, good compression, good adjustment features, belt could be more firm. Bag: Mountain Hardware 2nd Dimension +15 degree decent, run-of-the-mill, basic bag, extendable draft tube Pad: Mountain Hardware Backcountry 72 bulky, will NEVER deflate (non-inflateable), not as comfy as thermarest, Stove: MSR Superfly w/Autostart so far no problems, good heat output, great simmer Cookware: MSR Blacklight Boots: Lowa Renegade '03 GTX Filter: Pur Hiker Headlamp: Princeton Tec - Matrix Hydration: CamelBak Unbottle 100oz. Sandals: Chaco Z2 I love these. 2-way Radios: Motorola Talkabout 5480 Camera: Canon Digital Elph - S300 Sure it's only 2.1 megapixels, only has a 3x zoom and a so-so lens... But, its really small and lightweight, and anyone can just grab and shoot away. Garcia Backpackers Pantry - - 3 lb. bear canister, bulky pain-in-the-ass; but the only one legal to use in most of California's bear country.

Other Gear: * Maps/Guide books * Kmart raingear - It works! * Bandanas * Water Bottles * Stopwatch * Compass * "Hundo" (aka DEET) * Lighters * Tarps * "Shi-stick" (aka trowel)* * Duct Tape * Sunglasses * Sunblock * Small sewing kit * First Aid- - SAM splint - bandages - gauze - Alleve or Ibuprofen - Neosporin - Emergency Poncho - Tick Remover - Medication - allergy etc. * Iodine Tablets * Swiss Army Knife * Nylon Cord * Camera - batteries, film, memory cards * Umbrella * Extra batteries * Clothes: - (2-3) pairs of high tech chones (underwear) - (2-3) synthetic T-shirts - (2-3) pairs of hiking socks - (1) pair of convertible, quick drying pants - (1) fleece shirt/sweatshirt - thermal underwear - (1) pair of lightweight camp pants (comfy, lightwieght pants) * Campsuds * Reading material * FOOD * FUEL * Spare Filter (for water pump) * Toiletries - toothbrush/toothpaste, small towel, T.P. * Vodka ; )

Get a good pair of lightweight hiking boots. Lightweight is key. They say every pound on your feet is like three on your back. So try not to skimp too much on the boots. Don't worry about sticking with a certain brand name. Try as many boots on as possible before you make your purchase. Take a walk around the store with some weight on your back and get a feel for the boot. Also remember to buy shoes that are big enough that your toes don't hit the front of the boot. Also get some nice cushy hiking socks.

Next, bag: ($130)

A 15 degree rating is a good all around temperature rating for this area. Stick with major brands (NorthFace, Mtn Hardware, Sierra Designs, REI) Keep things simple, durable, and warm; go with synthetic Polarguard 3d or better insulation. It is lofty, warm and dries quick.

Backpack: ($90-$350)

Depending on your trip lengths, consider a pack with volume between 4200ci - 5200ci. If you are just starting there is no reason to spend $300 on a pack. Start simple: Jansport and Camptrails have very affordable backpacks with many features, those are both great beginner options. Get one fitted by a professional. It makes all the difference.

Tent: ($100-up)

Lightwieght, functional tents come in many price ranges. REI, and Eureka make some very good inexpensive tents with many features that an expensive tent would have. (sealed seams, coated (not tarp) floors, full rainflys, aluminum tent poles. Look at used tents too. A cleaning and a seam seal is sometimes all they need to be good as new.

Sleeping Pad: ($10-100)

Personally, the pad is the most important item next to boots for me. You'd be surprised at how good a soft padded seat will make you feel after a hard day of hiking. Go light, with the Zrest, cheap, light, and somewhat comfy. The industry standard is the Thermarest pad, in all shapes and sizes, this is by far the most popular pad on the trail. They are pricey, they can pop (inflateable) but are considered to be the most comfortable. I use the Mtn. Hardware sleeping pad, that is non inflateable, ALMOST as comfy as thermarest (not quite). You might be able to get a used sleeping pad from a local shop that is getting rid of old rental gear.