Best Value Backpacking Gear

I picked up a new pair of hiking boots a few weeks ago and while shopping
for them I've become interested in possibly beginning to buy the equipment
for a backpacking setup. I'm thinking that I might buy the new sleeping bag
and/or tent first and then begin looking at backpacks later. I'll have to
spread out the purchases over a few months and I'm thinking that I can enjoy
the new camping equipment on day hike/camp trips.

So, does that sound like a reasonable approach to working toward a
backpacking setup? Is there any reason to consider the backpack first
before looking at a sleeping bag/tent? It seems logical to me that the
backpack might more be dictated by the weight of the other gear that is
required for my climate and application.

I saw the Outdoor Magazine Best Of '06 today and I'm astonished at the
prices of some of this gear! You've got to be kidding me! Surely there is
reasonably capable/durable equipment for less? I've been shopping the REI
website for ideas and I see some more reasonable options for sleeping
bags/tents. I did a Usenet search on Kelty and found a few posts with
concerns for their quality in recent years. I certainly don't want to get
stuck with junk just to save a few bucks.

I'm in Oklahoma and for the immediate future my trips will be during the
more temperate times of year. I do enjoy fall foliage camping in the
Ouachita Mountains. I'm thinking a 3 season tent should work. I will
probably never see snow. I would like to find a down 3 season sleeping bag
as well.

Any recommendations? Good websites for reference/reviews? I see that the
REI equipment is priced fairly reasonably - is their equipment generally
decent quality or does it depend on the specific product?

--
A sickened mind and spirit
The mirror tells me lies
Could I mistake myself for someone
Who lives behind my eyes
Will he escape my soul
Or will he live in me
Is he tryin' to get out or tryin' to enter me

THX 1138




.

Relevant Pages

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