Hey all, so me and my boyfriend are planning to dip our toes into backpacking next summer. We live up in Washington near Mount Baker, and I have zero clue what kind of stuff we’ll need for an overnight trip. I’m trying to find good gear that won’t destroy my budget (think under $200 per item for now). Any tips or must-haves for newbies? Much appreciated.
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I’d focus on a decent tent and sleeping bag on my first trip. Check out REI’s Half Dome tent; it’s not too pricey, especially if you catch a sale. Also, get a sleeping pad. Trust me, the ground is brutal without one. I made that mistake once, never again…
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Don’t skimp on your shoes or boots. I didn’t think much about it on my first trip, and now I have blisters just thinking about it, 
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I swear on that sleeping pad suggestion. I would never make that mistake too. I use the Klymit Static V—it’s affordable and comfy. As for a pack, you don’t need to go all out. I got the Osprey Daylite packs, and they work great for shorter trips. You can always upgrade later if you get more serious about it.
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One thing people always overlook—water filtration. You don’t want to carry all your water with you, trust me. Look into something like the Sawyer Squeeze. It’s compact, under $40, and makes it easy to drink from streams without getting sick. It’s one of the best investments I made.
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Let me give a suggestion on cooking because ya’ll arent, I’m a foody 
, so I’d recommend getting a lightweight cook set like the MSR PocketRocket. It’s great for boiling water for meals. Just some freeze-dried food or instant noodles, and you’re set.
You are a lifesaver. . I mean why did no one think about this, food. 
