 | Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Person Three-Season Tent
This is an inexpensive and well made tent. I chose the 3 person here for the extra room, but if you and your partner are on the smaller side, the 2 person Sirius should be fine
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 | Gregory Whitney 95 Backpack
Buy new: $249.95 - $359.00 Internal frame packs are popular because they ride close to the body and provide excellent balance and freedom of movement.
The Whitney is the best one I've owned.
Remember that packs don't fit everybody the same, so make sure it fits before heading into the wild.
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 | Gregory Women's Deva 60 Backpack
Buy new: $193.49 - $269.00 The Deva is built for a woman's figure and is very popular with the ladies.
Remember though that packs don't fit everybody the same, so make sure it fits before heading out into the wild.
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 | Kelty Tioga External Frame Backpack
External frame packs are inexpensive and great for hauling heavy loads over well maintained trails
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 | Victorinox Swiss Army Climber II Pocket Knife
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $14.99 A knife is one of the 10 backcountry essentials. The Climber has every tool you will need, including a corkscrew in case you like to bring along some vino.
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 | Silva Ranger 515 CLQ Compass
The Ranger is considered by many to be the best all around compass for the money. You don't need to spend this much though. An inexpensive baseplate model like a Silva Explorer ($15) or a Silva Starter ($8) will tell you direction just as well as the Ranger. Don't forget maps!!!!
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 | Petzl E47 PS Tikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Soft
Headlamps are great for putzing around camp, reading and for those times you stayed on the trail past sunset. The Tikka Plus has a good balance of weight, performance and price.
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 | Princeton Tec Blast 2AAA Xenon Flashlight
Buy new: $6.95 - $14.99 Sometimes you need a bright, focused beam and the LED headlamps just don't cut it. This one puts out an amazing amount of light for such a small package.
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 | MSR Titan Mini Cookset
Titanium cook sets are incredibly light. If you can't afford this one, the MSR Alpine Classic is a good, but heavier alternative
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 | GSI Outdoors Polypropylene Knife Spoon And Fork - 3 PIECE - ring cutlery set
Buy new: $4.95 You might be getting back to nature, but you don't want to go as far back as eating with your hands. This Lexan set is lightweight and durable.
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 | Sierra Designs Cochise 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
It's hard to recommend a bag not knowing whether someone is a cold or warm sleeper and the kinds of weather he will be out in. This bag is an affordable bag that will get you through most spring, autumn and fall nights in most climates.
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 | Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Fast & Light Mattress
Sleeping under the stars isn't fun if you can't sleep. The Thermarest isn't essential, but it's darn close. Get the 3/4 length (small) unless you will be camping in the winter.
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 | Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Sleeve
The ultimate luxury item and well worth its negligible weight. No more sitting on the cold ground or damp logs and rocks. 'Nuff said.
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 | GSI Outdoors Polypropylene JavaPress
Buy new: $11.95 - $23.74 Many backpackers can't do without their java. This French press is the best way to make backcountry coffee that I've encountered. Get the small for solo trips or the larger one if you are going with a group.
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 | 100ft Military Strength Paracord - Yellow
Buy new: $7.59 You'll need to hang your food in bear country - and raccoon, skunk, porcupine and mouse country. 100 feet is a good length.
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 | MSR Trekker Wing Fast & Light Tarp
Some backpackers prefer the light weight of a tarp over a tent. Personally I prefer to have a wall between me and the creepie crawlies out there. These also come in handy if you are encountering exttended bad weather. Can be pitched using your trekking poles, or a stick.
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 | Outdoor Research Backcountry Kitchen 2
Buy new: $34.95 This has everything you need for carrying spices, salt, pepper, cooking oils and soap. Honestly you can buy a set of the small Nalgene bottles for $6 and put them in a $2 ditty bag, but this is a nice luxury item.
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 | Compression Stuff Sack - In Your Choice of Sizes
Buy new: $16.94 There is something to be said for packing a bulky item like a sleeping bag down to the size of a loaf of bread. You'll also need one for your tent and a third for your clothing.
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 | Marmot Precip Rain Jacket for Men
Buy new: $99.90 - $109.99 Thse won't keep you dry in a 2 day long monsoon (most raincoats won't) but the Precip is fine for passing showers and thundershowers. It's pretty easy on the wallet for waterproof, breathable rainwear.
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 | Platypus Bottle 1L
These are nice because they roll up out of the way when empty, unlike a hard Nalgene bottle.
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 | Smartwool Expedition Trekking Sock 10 131
Buy new: $16.95 - $19.95 I won't recommend hiking boots because a boot that is heaven on one person's feet can be living hell on another's. Get your hiking boot from a reputable outdoor shop with a knowledgeable boot fitter. Whatever boot you choose, Smartwool should go underneath. They are the best - period.
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 | Liberty Mountain Lm Plastic Matchbox
Buy new: $1.75 Throw in some waterproof matches and a couple of strikers from old match boxes.
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 | Coleman 827-B360T Insect Head Net - Green
Buy new: $4.29 If you are backpacking in the spring or early summer this can be a godsend.
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 | Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets
Buy new: $8.88 Bring a few of these along at all times. If your filter clogs, or your forget it, you can still have safe drinking water.
It may taste like crap, but speaking of crap, its better than spending a couple days on the toilet when you get home.
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 | Coleman Fire Starters
It's good to have a few of these along if you need to start a fire for any reason.
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 | Atwater Carey Backpacker First Aid Kit
Buy new: $23.95 You need to be prepared. This one is small and reasonably well stocked.
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 | Sierra Designs Sirius 2 Footprint
Buy new: $22.72 A ground cloth will extend the life of your tent and keep the floor dry in wet weather. No need to buy these expensive footprints though. A shower curtain or plastic painter's tarp cut to size will work nicely. Cut it slightly smaller than the tent floor size so it doesn't protrude, lest it collects rain and funnels it under the tent.
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