STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

well, your gear all depends on what sort of camping/hiking it is you're gonna be doing. short easy day trips, longer hike-in to the camp site, and drive to camp site trips are all gonna require different things. have you done much camping/hiking at some point in the past to sorta gauge your ability level on stuff? i mean, are you up to longer trips and can carry a larger pack into a more remote site? it might not seem like a big deal but there is definitely ability level type stuff in hiking and camping. but im gonna assume that you aren't going to go hike the appalachian trail, right?

to start off, i would check out the eastern mountain sports store (there's one at both park city and kop) or rei (the closest to you is at plymouth meeting). the guys who work in those stores really really know what they are talking about and could probably guide you in what you need and what you can handle, backpack wise.

i love camping and hiking so ive got a couple of rec's for you:

my hiking boots are low-tops hikers from llbean which have served me very very well in past trips. ive also worn them as winterboots when its snowed a lot. i use the lowtop because, well, because im silly and don't like the look of hightop boots with shorts and seriously, that totally matters out in the woods! ankle support is key, though, when out hiking, especially when doing any major incline/decline type of hiking (meaning not on a flat field or other area). it helps to have waterproof boots but you can just do this yourself at home if you don't wanna spend the money on buying the already waterproofed boots. weight is really key with boots too. while you want sturdy boots you also don't want them to be too heavy that your legs and feet will get tired too fast.

backpacks: depending on the type of camping trip im goin on i carry different bags. if i know im going to be driving to the site then any old bag will really do. a regular backpack with nice padded shoulder straps is generally sufficient for shorter trips. however, if you are going to be doing any hiking/camping where you will need to actually hike to the site i really recommend getting a pack with metal supports. the metal supports will really help to spread the load off of your shoulders and back. and yeah...it might look totally dorky but use the straps that go across your chest to even out the load even more.

clothes: breathable, breathable, breathable! wicking-type fabric is really essential because you will sweat. i generally weight shorts, ones that are knee length and with lots of pockets. i, uh, also wear shorts with elastic on the sides so not only do i not have to fuss with a belt but that the shorts can move with my body as i hike up and over rock formations. usually i just wear a good supportive bra with a tanktop. good socks are also something to look into. your feet will really thank you if you buy good camping socks. they make padded, wicking-material socks which will help to lessen the amount of blisters you get.

anyway...any other questions? hmm, tent is from eddie bauer (its heavier than i would like but was on sale) and sleeping bag is from rei. get yourself a nalgene bottle and a good hat to keep the sun off of your neck, ears, and eyes.

any plans on where you might be going?