EQUIPMENT:
What you will need for the hike. My favorite hiking gear online store is at www.campmor.com
Backpack: Need help with this let me know. Your local hiking store can also help. Big enough to keep sleeping bag inside. Most have a sleeping bag compartment. Look for water bottle holders as well, some have them some don't.
Sleeping bag: Don't go nuts with this, something light and versatile.
Hiking boots: Waterproof, comfortable, try on with oversized socks (Thorlo's).
Sleeping pad: Light weight, not to bulky, choices are inflatable and standard non-inflatable, both work well, inflatable is more comfortable but, more expensive.
8 – 12 oz. steel or ceramic cup: This will be to eat out of. No sense in bringing a plate and bowl.
Small pot to heat water in: Not to big something around the 32 oz range.
Light weight stove: I think we will have enough on trail so check with me before buying. Read up on these everyone has their preference. I prefer the snap on canister that will get thrown away when empty.
Water filter: I think we will have enough but if you want to buy get the "Hiker". I don’t think Pur makes them anymore but, anther company makes the exact filter and calls it the "Hiker", I think.
Tent: If your the only one who hikes in your family get a little one man hiking tent, else I think we will have enough so check with me before buying. Lots of choices, read up on these as well.
Food: Go dehydrated for dinner and something easy for breakfast, lunch and snack. Get creative and stay away from anything that produces lots of trash and comes in a can. It's easier not to have to cook for lunch. The big meal of the day will be dinner. The more you pack the more you have to lug up tall mountains. If your good and hungry by dinner that's ok.