aframe - thank you for the encouragement about the no money thing that is how I would have to prepare I borrowed a pack I think my dad has a bag I can use I have an old marlboro tent I know how to improvise I think I can!
I thought all that special gear stuff was a little much anyway,but it did start to scare me and I didn't think I would really have to filter water I mean if you get it from a spring that's what people buy in a bottle "spring water" I do think that all I've heard about not using cotton and jeans and stuff makes alot of sence but I can bargain shop and even good will and I think I'm gonna go.. ??
go from harper's north. We started in June and had plenty of time and we were only hiking on average two miles an hour. Go.
Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You !!!!!
One trick I've learned for clothing is to go to the outfitters and look at the material used in their clothing and then go to wallyworld or somewhere cheaper and buy clothes made of the same stuff.
I was at REI, EMS and Dick's this weekend and the shorts they were selling for between $28 and 45$ you can get elsewhere for $8. Same with socks, pants, T's, etc.
And I got a zero degree bag at Dick's a couple years ago for 40$ - which for the extra pound or so is well worth saving at least 200$ for the same rating on a little lighter weight bag. As far as tents - you can find them online much cheaper.
Packs are the item you actually should go try on and learn how to fit to your frame. But you can get a really decent lighter weight one for less than $150 at about any outfitter.