The following posts can provide a good overview for someone who is thinking and trying backpacking for the first time. I take a lightweight and something ultralight approach to backpacking… but I think most of this information would be useful for any approach.
- Getting Starting
- Gear You Will Need
- Food on the Trail
- Getting a Good Night Sleep
- Survival skills
- Winter Activities… and special issues with cold and snow
- Backpacking with Kids
- Additional Resources… books, websites, etc
- Destinations… with a bias to California
I have some older web pages which need to be updated, but might be useful:
- Planning a Trip
- Lightening Your Load
- Lions, Tigers, Bears… dealing with wildlife including bugs
- Hints and Tricks… for things that don’t have a place somewhere else
- Using Map & Compass (from princeton oa)
- Basic 3 Season Gear Check List
My personal 3 seasons packing list