hikingafter40

I wrote this for a friend that is considering getting into backpacking.  I am posting it here so I can find it again. ~~~~ So here is a packing list of the things that I use.  Most of the thru hikers I've met use similar things.  Most of us belong to REI (http://rei.com).  It costs 20 dollars to join (one time fee), and some things are really expensive (so I buy those on Amazon), but for the BIG things (tent, sleeping bag, cook system), it's worth it because they have a 100 day return policy.  You can try gear and return it if it doesn't work for you.  For example, I started with an Osprey backpack, but bc I am a bigger girl, it cut into my waist and made me feel like I was in the magician's box getting sliced in half.  I returned it and got a Gregory pack which works for me.  They will measure you for a pack, and you want one that is about 60 liters. Here is a shopping list: BACKPACK: You definitely want to get fitted for this.  There are all kinds.  There