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Outdoorsman Gear
DekuStick
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Over this winter I'm looking to build a camping/survival kit over the winter to use thoroughly in the summer times (winter camping/hiking when I'm more experienced). I have absolutely nothing now but am generating quite a list of things. The type of things I am looking to do in the great nature is a few mile hike into a forest, setting up camp and enjoying a few days of roughin' it.
I started this thread to get opinions on gear, recommendations, and even tips some may have in the wilderness (tried and tested lean-to tips, fire/wood gathering, etc.)
The detalied part of the post
This is my list of necessity items. Please add anything I'm missing.
So give me your suggestions, experiences, tips and tricks.
I started this thread to get opinions on gear, recommendations, and even tips some may have in the wilderness (tried and tested lean-to tips, fire/wood gathering, etc.)
The detalied part of the post
Knives - Two knives I've been highly considering picking up are -
Cold Steel's Recon Scout
I've heard only good things about this knife. Good for wood splitting and chopping and very durable. Great for small camp site chores such as can opening, cord cutting an so on.
Ontario RTAK II
Bigger blade sitting at 10.25 inches for the larger log chopping that a 7 1/2 inch blade like the Recon Scout can't handle.
Saw - Been looking at this saw for falling trees and sawing out logs from said trees. Simple, compact and capable of falling good sized trees for firewood.
Trail Blazer Sawvivor
Shovel - Glock Spade
Been looking at the Glock Spade for a light carry shovel. Digging fire pits, clearing the campsite of brush and what not.
Packs - I need advice on packs. I've been looking at Kelty and like their selection. So if anyone has good pack suggestions/recommendations please do so.
Clothing - Boots, gloves, shirts, jackets, pants and the rest I could use suggestions on. For any weather condition really but I'm aiming more at the warmer seasons for now.
Cord - I have no idea what good cord to use for trying lean-to's together and any other camp site cord necessity. Please help me with this.
Cold Steel's Recon Scout
I've heard only good things about this knife. Good for wood splitting and chopping and very durable. Great for small camp site chores such as can opening, cord cutting an so on.
Ontario RTAK II
Bigger blade sitting at 10.25 inches for the larger log chopping that a 7 1/2 inch blade like the Recon Scout can't handle.
Saw - Been looking at this saw for falling trees and sawing out logs from said trees. Simple, compact and capable of falling good sized trees for firewood.
Trail Blazer Sawvivor
Shovel - Glock Spade
Been looking at the Glock Spade for a light carry shovel. Digging fire pits, clearing the campsite of brush and what not.
Packs - I need advice on packs. I've been looking at Kelty and like their selection. So if anyone has good pack suggestions/recommendations please do so.
Clothing - Boots, gloves, shirts, jackets, pants and the rest I could use suggestions on. For any weather condition really but I'm aiming more at the warmer seasons for now.
Cord - I have no idea what good cord to use for trying lean-to's together and any other camp site cord necessity. Please help me with this.
This is my list of necessity items. Please add anything I'm missing.
Knives
Saw
Shovel
Tube Tent(s)
First Aid Kit
Gloves
Multi-Tool
Cord
Whistle
WD-40
Food
Water
Cooking Apparatus
Kneepads
Compass
Sleeping Bag
Saw
Shovel
Tube Tent(s)
First Aid Kit
Gloves
Multi-Tool
Cord
Whistle
WD-40
Food
Water
Cooking Apparatus
Kneepads
Compass
Sleeping Bag
So give me your suggestions, experiences, tips and tricks.
DekuStick on
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Also your list doesn't have a bag on it, but that may be because you think its obvious you'll need it to carry all your stuff, but theres another important use. If you're out in the wilderness you will want a strong bag to put all your food in and some rope to hang it from a tree - you should never keep food in your tent.
Are you trying to pack this stuff around, or are you looking to go car-camping?
A good watch. I like this one because it has three alarms and is rugged. If it was good enough for three months in the Himalayas, it is good enough for anywhere, unless you want fancy diver/altimeter stuff. I personally don't care for all that as I've never needed to use those tools yet.
550 Paracord watch strap (replace the one on your watch) or bracelet. I've used a re-used 550 paracord for just about everything, mainly for shelter and hanging clothes to dry.
A Swedish Fire Steel. These have worked for me in rain, snow and sunshine. Just make sure you learn how to properly use the tool before you are out in the wilderness. Test in a park or in your yard if you have one.
Road ID. These are little bracelets that can list up to four lines of information if someone were to find you unconscious. It could save your life. I wear mine on my ankle and it lists my name, blood type, and three people to call if I am found (alive, hopefully). In my opinion, it is stupid not to have one. I wear it when I run, as well.
Shemagh or hat for sun protection. I prefer the Shemagh, as it can keep me cool and warm at the same time. Here is a funny pic from last year:
Portable First Aid Kit. You can look for lists online, or buy one from an outdoors store like REI. At the least, you want tweezers, bandages, and rehydration salts. A lot of other stuff can be improvised.
Steri-Pen. I use the Adventurer (more portable) and I was drinking water out of rivers in India, no problem. If there is a river nearby, or you camp next to one, you have clean water as long as your battery lasts (I remember mind being around 80L worth of water). You can buy a filter as well (when pouring water into your container), but, if the water is really filthy to warrant filtering out particles, I just use my Shemagh to cover the opening of my water bottle as it fills up with water.
I'm a bit of an anomaly when it comes to shoes, so I this recommendation is just for fun, but if I am not barefoot I wear these (not they now have updated models which use Kangaroo leather, which I HIGHLY recommend).
If I am doing trekking or camping in significant snow, I wear these with wool socks and custom-made wool pants (just get a 2 yard sheet of wool fabric, then take to a tailor - cost me $10). The shoes are good down to -20º, and have a thin, rubber sole that allows you to move quietly (good for hunting) and feel the ground. I know you said you are mainly looking for warm-weather stuff, but just a thought.
Speaking of food, I use MREs unless I forage/hunt. You'd be surprised how much good shit there is to eat in a forest. I'd read up on your local flora and fauna beforehand. If you want fresh meat, that is something else entirely, but just for the hell of it, here is a picture (since I just finished cleaning it and it is out) of what gun I use if I hunt:
As far as clothes go, just wear whatever is comfortable and can dry relatively quickly in the sun on a clothes line - you never know how much sun you will have, especially in the state where the weather changes every 10 minutes.
[EDIT] After reading the above posts I feel I may have jumped the gun on actual camping advice. Still, though, as far as gear goes, this is the stuff I like. I'll try to get some technique/how-to advice up before I go out of town tomorrow.
My stamina is not a concern of mine lugging that weight around. Its why I avoid slugging an axe or such things. Not new to exercise as I'm in training for military business. I don't think lugging out that gear will be too much a concern for me. Hikes won't be any more than 5 miles which is no big trek. But weight is a big factor in all of this and I thank you for bringing it up. I won't be going out alone carrying all these things. I'll have a few buddies we can distribute the load.
Also I've called up my local Ministry of Natural Resources and got all the details on the legality of doing these things and I'm in the clear at certain areas.
This is an excellent post and gives me plenty to look at. About the knives I find they're great tools for a lot of tasks in the forest. The knives you linked look like quality knives. Unfortunately at this time I can't justify myself spending 300+ on one at this time, maybe later down the road. I actually prefer to split logs with a knife aswell. Carrying out the axe weight isn't worth it to me.
On the gun, I won't be hunting because thats really not my thing. I fully support the people who go out and get their own food but I much prefer just being out in the nature and enjoying myself without the thrill of the hunt.
About shelter I'm not too big on carrying out a tent. Much prefer to just build up a sturdy lean-to. And if that doesn't work out I would have these cheap emergency tents. I suppose I could also cut them up and line the lean-to with it if there's a rain issue.
Thanks guys, keep it comin'!
Steam | Live
One thing that won't help with is building shelters in the backcountry, because most of those guys are sleeping in semi-permanent shelters and aid stations a lot of the time.
The only thing I'm going to say about this is: Carrying a bunch of shit you don't need in a backpack out in the woods is not fun. You may think it's all gravy right now, but 5 miles in, you're going to be a sad panda.
Having said that...
My dad and I have been backpacking every summer for the last 15 years. My kit has changed over the years, but this is a general list of what I had in my pack and the gear we shared.
I'm at work, so I'm trying to remember brands off of the top of my head. Also, I've had some of this gear for years, so a lot of it isn't available on the internets anymore.
My Kit
Boots - Vasque Sundowner boots are the only boots my feet will ever wear. This summer I retired the pair that I've been using for 9 years. These are the best boots on earth.
Sleeping bag - I have a Kelty bag rated for 10*. I need to get a new one, though, since I've had this bag for 10 years.
Sleeping pad - I use a self-inflating Thermarest pad.
Medium weight fleece pants (For sleeping)
Medium weight long sleeve thermal shirt (For sleeping)
Light weight fleece gloves (For sleeping)
Medium weight wool socks x2 (One pair for during the day/hiking, one pair for sleeping)
North Face fleece beanie
Multi-tool - You only need one knife/multi-tool. Make it count.
North Face medium weight fleece jacket (zip-in functionality with the rain shell)
North Face rain shell (jacket and pants)
Fishing pole + small tackle
North Face pants with zip-off pant legs
Wide brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Shirt (I recently picked up a North Face performance polo-shirt thing but I haven't worn it yet.)
Plastic bowl, plastic coffee mug, spoon
iPod Shuffle - I brought this with an audio book loaded up instead of bringing a paperback this last summer. It worked out reasonably well.
Small moleskin journal +pen
3" toothbrush
Small bottle of contact solution/contact case
LED headlamp - My Petzl LED headlamp is as bright as the sun.
Small plastic trowel - This kind of trowel is all you need. Don't waste weight on some heavy ass spade.
Water filter
3 Nalgine water bottles
Toilet paper
Kerosene stove +fuel bottle
Small first-aid kit & snake bite kit
Compass
Book of matches
About 20' of climbing rope for hanging bear bags
Kettle for boiling water
General Backpacking/Camping Tips
- In a perfect world, everyone digs a 12" deep hole when they go number two and packs out their used toilet paper. I dig 12" deep hole but I also bury my toilet paper with my waste. No, it's not the best thing to do, but I take issue with carrying used toilet paper in my pack. Additionally, don't go to the bathroom near a water source.
- Always pack out your trash.
- The key to staying light while backpacking is remembering how to layer your clothes.
- Learn cardinal directions based on the sun's location and by the stars.
- Practice setting up your tent before you get out in the bush.
- Practice using your stove before you get out in the bush.
- Basically, make sure you know how to use all of your stuff before you get out in the bush.
- Practice making fires without using kerosene.
- You need to drink 3-4 full bottles of water every day.
And it may be exciting to go roughing all on your own but going out with a buddy can be the difference between life and death, especially for those long trips. Many people who have died while backpacking probably could have made it if they had just one other person with them. A buddy can also make camping a lot more fun.
Edit: Also the key to backpacking is minimalism
Theres this really sweet invention that is all of those things in one.
Really, what the fuck do you need a ten inch knife for? Are you going bear hunting in the Yukon? Get a hatchet or a multi-tool. If you backpack with two knives and a saw, I can only imagine what other useless things you're going to bring along. All of those items may be great if you're on a canoe trip in case something goes wrong, but when you're backpacking, every item's weight needs to be taken into account, even if it is just a knife. A knife isn't designed for chopping logs.
It really depends what works for different people. You may be an axe guy but I'm a knife guy. Splitting wood with knives is doable and a whole lot of fun. Shearing branches with an axe isn't my favourite either. A ten inch blade or machete takes care of that with ease. So if I were to bring an axe I'd also want a 10 inch blade for shearing purposes. Now if I'm going to be bringing a 1 pound knife anyway, there's no need to bring the extra weight of an axe. Don't get me wrong I see your point in that an axe will make quicker work of the chopping part. But a knife can do work on firewood aswell. And its much easier to get smaller pieces for starting your fire with a knife. Its really what works for you is the best, and knives work for me.
Also an axe is not a good trade off for a saw. You can't effectively cut logs with an axe with a whole lot of ease.
Steam | Live
I have the Explorer Deluxe Asym but they have a lot of options in the ASYM line to choose from. My friend has a Hammock Bliss one with netting . The pros of these are they are light, easy to setup, can be setup anywhere without worrying about the ground as long as there are trees where you are camping, really comfortable, can be used as a chair and regular hammock too. There is a video on Hennessy's site with a guy going through all the ways to use them.
I can not stress how much better our camping trips have been with these. Our friends are still setting up their tents while we are stretched out relaxing at the campsite. Just an example of the different mind set you get in. My friend who owns a hammock and I were hiking, just the two of us, and didn't know if we wanted to continue on or go back to where we knew there was water. So we just walked off the path a bit and setup the hammocks in about 2-3 minutes made some lunch and sat around for about 30mins taking a break. We were on a about 45 degree pitch where you wouldn't be able to sit if you weren't off the ground. Was a nice little break that wouldn't ahve been possible at that site with a tent.
Cons being not as easy to get in and out of as a tent, but nothing too crazy. Cold, if it is going to be in the 40's at night you would need to get something to go on the bottom/outside of the hammock to insulate, since you compress the sleeping bag down on your backside. Some people use emergency blankets and henssey sells a quilt option too. If you don't camp during the cold you wouldn't have to worry.
For cooking/stove I found the the Jet Boil to be really great. Easy to use, boils water really quick and is light. I usually heat up the water for the 3 or four of us for our meals. they also have some pots that go with it if you want to cook real food as opposed to dehydrated. I have yet to try those out but plan on getting the smaller pot before next season.
For water treatment I use the First need Water filter . Works by pumping the water from a creek or whatever directly into your water storage thing. Has two different size bottle lids it can fit on so it makes it pretty easy to use. We use just one when we go backpacking and we can all fill our waters in about 5 -10 minutes for 4-5 people.
Other than that, sleeping bags and backpacks are going to be a personal thing. I have found that the gear of the year awards from Outside magazine have some good info and good place to start out . They have a list on the bottom left that you can browse and they have their gear award winners marked from the past few years. You can find a lot of the "older" gear for good prices now.
Other than that I would give only one "crazy" piece of advice. Look into barefoot hiking, or vibram five fingers. I just did a 5 mile with pack straight barefoot and it was amazing. Feet got a little tender with some of the rocks but if I had Vibrams or something simliar it would have been perfect. Just an out of the box suggestion.
Gir: I am government man, come from the government. The government has sent me.
JanSport Carson
Steam | Live
My first suggestion is to find a really nice map of the area you're going to be in. I'm also assuming you know how to use a map and compass to orienteer otherwise you should not be trekking anywhere.
My next suggestion is to not waste money on a knife, axe, or saw. Get this instead. This is one of the best items you can carry with you. Self-defense and utility in one weapon. It can cut and slice. It can chop and split. You can crack nuts open with it, and mine has shit in the handle as well though I never use it. Its like emergency first aid and fire starters and stuff. edit - a kukri can also dig in a pinch, but you can ruin the sharpness of your blade in the dirt.
My third suggestion is a large bar of magnesium. I carry magnesium bars with me every time I trek or camp because you will never not get a fire going with it. Magnesium is lightweight and not very expensive. Also a little bit can go a long way and you'll get your fire going every time even in the damn rain.
I can't advise you on any sort of hunting. I carry an M1 Carbine with me into the forests but I've never used it except to scare shit away. I know nothing of how to skin animals or smoke meat or make jerky. I will say that if you plan on doing any fishing bring a fish scaler. Scaling fish without one is not only incredibly hard but it takes forever and you can ruin your fish.
edit: bring a 3L bladder as well. Can't have too much fresh water. Also make sure that the pack you get has a space for a bladder or a spot on the back for a camel back.
Shogun Streams Vidya
I'm not big on hunting. I've been out a few times when I was younger but its definitely not my thing. I also don't feel like getting the licenses for going out and doing it. Like I've said I have no issues with dudes who like to do all that but its not my thing. I just like to relax and have a good time with friends out in the bush. Fishing, again not something I'll be doing. Just want to go out, set up camp and have a good time.
My buddy who I go out in wilderness with has a very nice Kukri. I'll definitely add one to my collection when it gets more robust. Great tool. I still like knives though and will be adding them to my kit first.
Hammocks are an awesome idea. I'll definitely consider adding some to my kit. I like the idea of being able to day hike and set up shop real quick for a good relaxing break. Right now I'm in a phase where I really like to build my own shelter such as lean-to's and rely on tents as a backup.
Again thank you guys so much for your suggestions and advice. Good bush stories are appreciated aswell
Steam | Live
never carry big ass fuckin' knives unless you are experienced in the outdoors, understand that you Need it for whatever reason, and know what to do with it
If you must get a collapsible shovel for whatever reason, get a plastic one
Backpacking is entirely about weight. You may think you are tough and can deal with a heavy bag, but you reaallyy can't. It is dangerous to over pack a bag too much. You'll strain your back, neck, shoulders, legs, and you'll be both miserable and sore as fuck.
First aid kit and Emergency Fire Kit are incredibly important, for obvious reasons. Waterproof everything in your bag, and put a lighter + whatever you use for fire in several pockets.
Learn to dehydrate food and learn to do it well. Dehydrating food is the most efficient and lightweight way of carrying and storing food, or, carrying MREs as many people do. I just like dehydrating things, its fun!
If there is anything you absolutely must spend obscene amounts of money on, it should be a good water purifier. You can never ever have too much fresh water.
Load bearing equipment is the third most important consideration in any backcountry activity (after the big two which are "how am I going to get safe water" and "what will I eat?"), and you really have to have a good idea about the type of activity you're going to be doing before you select a pack.
Next, it's my experience from years in scouts and trips into boundary waters that no matter what you can always make due with less **** then you brought. When you pick a pack, pick the pack you think you will need and then select one somewhat smaller.
Another experience I've had is that some people think MOLLE gear makes good outdoor gear. It doesn't. MOLLE equipment is designed for the military, and by and large is intended to allow them to carry an awful lot of heavy **** like ammunition and explosives and big field radios. Also, the typical soldier in the field needs like 3-5 thousand calories in the field in order to make up for all the trudging they do carrying all the stuff they need in order to do their job, and they have a huge logistics organization behind them tasked with getting them the food they need to facilitate carrying around a lot of stuff.... which you won't have in the backcountry. MOLLE gear is rugged and versatile, but it isn't light and it isn't great for covering terrain.
I recommend you think about what kind of outdoors activity you plan on doing and then select a pack for it. I personally recommend Kelty, they make great packs.
Lastly... if you aren't sure if you're good at fishing, assume you aren't.
Boil it. Purifiers may help the taste but in the end the only safe way to drink in the backcountry is to boil it.
I'm probably just rubbish at it. I tend to mangle my fish up pretty bad even with the descaler.
OP that's cool you're going to be in some cool robust nature. Are you going when its cold or warm? My guess is warm.
Shogun Streams Vidya
When I do get better and self sufficient in outdoors skills I reaaaally want to try my hand at winter camping. It just seems like an absolute blast. But of course worrying about temperatures and weather adds a huge element of danger into the mix that I'll feel comfortable in when I know my tools and what I'm capable of.
Steam | Live
I've only used it on one backcountry trip so far, but it worked great. For reference the hike was 4.5 miles in, camp, 5 miles out the next day.
It carried the weight great, was easy to get on and off, and was pretty good for organizing all of my gear. I would estimate I was carrying 35 - 40 lbs.
When I go camping/backpacking I pack at least two knives/tools. It's either a hand axe or a portable saw, and a "bushcraft" knife. It doesn't necessarily have to be a knife designed for bush craft. The one I carry is a Bark River Aurora. I've done everything from building traps to cooking and batoning wood with this. Keep in mind the grind is a convex blade grind, so it requires a different method of sharpening (that is actually quite cheap and easy, not to mention for carrying). All Bark River knives are convex btw. The Bravo-1 is very popular, along with the Highland, Aurora, Kephart, and Fox River. I would recommend a knife that's 3 to 5 inches. Anything bigger and it's pointless and you would be better suited with either an axe, saw, or machete.
But really, as long as the knife doesn't break and can keep an edge, you should be fine. Full tang is highly recommended.
Someone has mentioned an Ontario knife, which is great as well. RAT Cutlery is affiliated with them, and they make great knives too that are pretty much like the Ontario that's listed. RAT Cutlery.
Also, don't forget a flashlight and extra batteries. It can get kind of spooky out there.
As for a tent, you can try looking into hammocks as a way of sleeping, especially when it's during the summer. You can hang a tarp/net over you to protect you from bugs.
Parachord is also nice to have around, as someone has mentioned.
What I like to do is construct things myself as much as possible and then buy gear. I find it to be much more enjoyable and cheap, and it's a great learning process. So, in that vein, for a cooking apparatus, I have made myself a hobo stove. You can gather burning materials around you or you can pack your own fuel source.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3xDqzEgzET
There are a lot of variations of the hobo stove. Mine is similar to this one but out of cheaper materials and less parts. You can also make it as big or as small as you want.
I recommend backpacking in your backyard for a night to test out all your gear. It's important to test all of this out and practice so you can be more prepared when it actually comes to going out and having mutual orgasms with nature.
Having a length of tin foil is really handy too.
No.
NO.
NO.
Do not get an external frame pack. You are wasting your money on an inferior product.
Keep in mind you may need separate tent and sleeping bag for winter camping, depending on where you are going. 4 season tents and good sleeping bags for cold weather are way expensive, but they are way overkill in the summer so just get a +20 or higher bag and a cheaper tent that is fairly light and packs down small.
Get a good pack fitted to you by a professional somewhere like REI (some have thermo-molded backboards kind of like ski boot liners that they will bake and mold to your back) or whatever they have near you and a stove that you can learn how to use effectively, knives and titanium sporks and shit are small potatoes.
Edit:
Think more Arc'teryx and less Jansport. Quality costs money.
http://kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=4&cat=31&id=418
I'm assuming a 1-3 day trip here, that you'll be hiking, and that you'll wear polyester and not make the utter noob mistake of bringing cotton clothes.
http://kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=8&cat=60&id=456
1. A good backpack. I can not stress this enough, probably the most important thing along with your footwear, especially if you are planning on doing any longer hikes. My recommendation would be for an internal frame backpack with a capacity of 60-70 liters. As for models and brand, that is very much up to what you yourself feel the most comfortable with. As others have said, visit a store with a nice selection and try a number of models. Do not be afraid to spend some money on the backpack, you will regret it if you cheap out. For example, this is my pack:
I've had it for fifteen years now, it has been to the Mt. Everest base-camp, I brought it along on the Inca-trail in Peru, and I've used it on numerous hiking trips in the local mountains here. It still is as good as new. When I bought it, it cost me something like 250 euros, but it was worth it. This is the modern equivalent from the same company (Haglöfs, a swedish company), backpacks are probably a good bit lighter these days, and every gram counts in my opinion:
2. Good footwear. I've seen some people here recommend going with low shoes, or even barefoot, but that would not work in the kind of terrain I usually hike in. A good set of hiking boots that cover your ankles is necessary in my opinion of you are going to leave the trails at some point. I've had a pair of Meindl Island Pro for the same time as I had my back-pack, and they are only now starting to show their age:
You can get by with lower shoes than that, but if the conditions are wet and rocky, the relatively high shaft with lacing helps with stability. As with backpacks, individual tastes differ when it comes to shoes, so make sure to try them on and walk around a bit, preferably with a loaded backpack on before you buy. Good boots are expensive, but again, they are worth it.
3. A nice tent. You said that you did not want to carry a tent, but I would reconsider this if I were you. Maybe you are always going to stay in the wood-land on your camping trips, but even so I would be hesitant to always rely on self-made shelters. It takes a lot of effort and time to build shelters that can be as comfortable as a tent, and I would not feel that good about the amount of fresh branches you need to harvest to make it water-proof, but this is just me. I would invest in a tent and carry it even if I planned on making shelters, as a good tent is not that heavy and offers a nice back-up. As for the type of tent, I would buy a three-season tent and wait on buying a true winter/expedition tent as these are heavier and very expensive if you want quality. Model and brand is dependant on what you can get locally and prefer, for comparison this is my tent:
It is a small 2-man (though realistically you will be more comfortable alone in it) tunnel-tent. The advantage with tunnel tents compared to cupola tents is that they are more resistant to winds and offer a dry space for your pack separated from the inner tent. As with good back-packs and boots, you get what you pay for, this tent cost me about 350 euros (it is a Fjällräven Skule shape 2, also from a swedish company).
4. A stove. If you keep to places where you can find fire-wood, this is not strictly necessary, but probably something you want to invest in sooner or later. I prefer gas-powered burners as they are quicker and more compact. Someone recommended Jetboil, and I've heard good things about them, but since I wanted something a little more versatile, this is what I have:
It is the smallest stove system from Primus, a 1 l pot and a lid that also works as a frying pan. Everything packs down into the pot for compact storage, including the gas canister. Other brands have equivalent systems, expect to pay maybe 100 euros for something like this, maybe the same in dollars as camping gear tend to be cheaper in north america. Also, this system is suitable for one person, maybe two, if you go camping with a larger group you will need something bigger.
5. Sleeping gear. If you only go camping in the summer, you will not need a really expensive down sleeping bag, something with synthetic fiber will do. Buy something rated for the conditions you expect to encounter, bags rated for lower temperatures are bulkier and heavier. You will also need something to insulate you from the ground, I prefer the old fashioned kind over the self-inflating mats as they are lighter, but this is just my opinion.
6. Clothing. This again very much depends on the conditions you will encounter. An example, this summer I went hiking for five days in the swedish mountains. The terrain looks like this:
The temperature was between 0 and 10 C, it rained all the time and was really wet and muddy. If I remember correctly, the clothes I brought was something like this:
Rainproof jacket
Rainproof pants
Quickly drying pants (not jeans or other cotton pants, they take forever to dry)
Softshell jacket
1 shirt
Thermal underwear (long sleaves and legs)
Two sets of underwear
Two complete sets of socks (I usually use two sets of socks, a thin synthetic pair and a thicker pair of wool socks to transport moisture away and minimize friction against the skin)
Two t-shirts
A fleece sweater, mainly for sleeping in.
A wool hat, also mainly for sleeping.
Thin gloves, nice to have when you are not on the move.
And again, be prepared to spend some money on clothing. Higher quality stuff just works better, and hiking gear is one place where you really want to minimize the fuss you have to put up with from your equipment.
7. Various equipment.
Map and compass. Make sure you know how to use them, especially if you leave the trails.
Flashlight. Get something with LEDs, flashlight or headlamp depending on preferences. A small back-up might also be a good idea.
Small first aid kit. Make sure you bring along the special kind of band-aids for blisters, Compeed or equivalent.
Water purifying kit. I have usually just used the iodine drops you get in a small bottle, they work well and do not take as much space as the more advanced equipment.
Fire-starting equipment. Bring two separate systems, I usually bring water-proof matches and a lighter. The swedish fire-steel stuff is excellent for starting camp-fires.
A knife. I usually bring a multi-tool and an ordinary knife, nothing special. You might need something heavier if you plan on using fire-wood.
Small repair kit. Needle and thread, some heavier cord. Maybe some duct tape.
A water bottle. Always remember to keep hydrated.
Camera, I have a water-proof compact, previously I killed two cameras on camping trips...
Possibly binoculars.
Toilet paper and a small showel.
Plastic bags. Both for carrying your waste out with you, and for other things.
Possibly a gps. You should always bring a map and compass and know how to use them, but a gps might be fun to have.
8. Food. This is dependant of how long you plan on being out and how many people are going, if there are more of you you can divide the heavier stuff. But generally, dehydrated food is the way to go if you want to minimize weight. You can make your own or buy pre-made if you are lazy like me. An example, this is the food I brought for my trip this summer:
It was enough for five days, but this is of course dependant on your appetite. Remember to pack some chocolate bars or other high-energy food that does not need cooking for emergencies.
Again, if there are more people going it is much easier to divide heavy stuff and you can bring more luxurious food and still keep the weight tolerable.
General advice
Pack light! I can not stress this enough. If you do not plan on walking that much, you might get away with a heavy pack, but it is still much more comfortable to not carry around a lot of stuff that you never use. For my trip this summer, I carried approx 12 kg (26 pounds), and this was almost to much for the distances I covered for it to be enjoyable. On this trip I hiked alone so I had to carry everything myself, the terrain was pretty hard, and I covered 80 km over three days. Now, I am a pretty small guy, but realistically you should not carry more than 15-20 kg if you do it for fun.
Safety. Know how to use your gear, leave information with someone where you are going, and preferably have company of you leave the trails. Hiking alone can be a great experience, but you should be aware that if you mess up somehow no one might be able to help you.
Enjoy the nature and leave it as you found it. Bring your trash back out with you, and try to leave as small a mark as you can.
Hm, this was a long post, but hopefully you found something of value in it.
Otherwise I'll pretty much echo what Lodbrok said - don't skimp on tent, pack or boots. It appears they've stopped making the specific model of pack I own, but this appears to be the closest, though for average use, you probably won't need anything with quite that volume. Really though, it's something you want to go into the store to try on, play around with, etc.
If you have the opportunity, I would personally recommend either borrowing or renting gear and going out on a some shorter backpacking trips - this will allow you a better idea of what you actually need & want to carry on a trip, as well as a better idea of what you might be looking for in terms of your gear. You can also buy your own gear piecemeal, filling in where needed with borrowed/rented stuff, which eases the upfront cost of buying a full kit. This is what I did for years - only recently have I started looking at flushing out the rest of my gear, as I no longer have an easy source of a great tent, gaiters, snowshoes, and other various accessories. Good places to look for rental equipment are outdoor shops (obviously) and schools - both my high school and college had fairly well stocked shops that were free for students and available to the public for a nominal fee.