Gear:

If you're planning on doing any kind of backpacking, be it one night or 14, a good backpack is one of the most crucial pieces of gear. If you are up in your attic digging out your older brother's external frame pack from the '80s (I say this from experience), stop right there and check out Osprey Backpacks! These packs are lightweight, super comfortable, carry well and come in 3 torso sizes and 4 hipbelt sizes which can be customized to fit you perfectly! Having a pack that fits you will make your outdoor experience worlds better, after all, you are carrying ALL your stuff in it! These packs are sleek, have a great packing capacity and are durable even in the most rugged environments. I have the Ariel 65 and have been really happy with it. I think the best part is that you can fit everything inside which makes for a tidy pack. Hanging stuff off your pack is typically not a good idea. It will throw your weight off, catch on tree branches and you risk losing or damaging those items. Imagine how bummed you would be getting into camp only to find a tear in your precious sleeping pad. Keep it tight with an Osprey Pack. You won't be sorry!

http://www.ospreypacks.com/

*One more thing...remember to get a pack raincover for those surprise showers! It's a must!

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/OspreyAddOns/ULRaincover/