Comments on: 5 Things to Know Before Buying Backpacking Gear

By: Michael Lanza

Michael Lanza — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 12:49:20 +0000

In reply to Tracey zegiel. Hi Tracey, Congrats on your plans to section hike the Appalachian Trail. I could link to numerous stories at The Big Outside to address your wide-ranging question, but I'll generally suggest that you spend some time at this blog, starting with my Gear Reviews page and this menu of stories sharing my backpacking skills tips. I hope you sign up for my free email newsletter and decide to Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories; I think you would find that helpful. Good luck with your AT prep. Please keep in touch.

By: Tracey zegiel

Tracey zegiel — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:25:38 +0000

I’m about a year out from starting to section hike (after many dayhikes) the AT. Should I look for tent, bag, what goes inside the pack first? or the pack itself?

By: MichaelALanza

MichaelALanza — Sun, 06 May 2018 23:41:06 +0000

In reply to Bryan Fisher. Thanks for the good input, Bryan.

By: Bryan Fisher

Bryan Fisher — Sun, 06 May 2018 16:45:13 +0000

I would second that. Buy in advance, or you will make rush decisions that you will end up regretting. WIth time you can shop around for quality gear at affordable prices. When I shop for outdoor gear, footwear is the item I am most picky about, because blisters and ill-fitting shoes will ruin even the most fantastic of trips or outdoor activities.

By: MichaelALanza

MichaelALanza — Wed, 24 May 2017 14:34:59 +0000

In reply to Rachel. Smart strategy, Rachel. I agree completely.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 23 May 2017 15:17:59 +0000

Don’t wait until the last minute is my favorite piece of advice. We planned for our first trip for over 6 months, searched for each item – we looked for sales and researched best for each type of item. If you have to spend a little more, I think it’s worth it because a lot of the gear you will have for a really long time!