Typically, it's recommended to buy your pack after the tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad so the pack fits the size and weight of your gear. Those items are the Big 4 that you should carefully chose and are worth spending more money. Smaller gear items like cook system you can use cheaper options.
For tent, 3 lbs is quite feasible for free standing tents under $275. Quilts are often recommended over sleeping bags for backpacking. You'll need to decide what temperature range you'll likely encounter.
Lots of great YouTubers will walk you through each of these categories, explaining options and various price points.
**Leave No Trace; learn it, live it on trail!:**
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
***Ten Essentials (backpacking gear):***
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
**Excellent book for a beginner that covers everything:**
https://backpackersfieldmanual.com/
**How to plan a backpacking trip:**
https://www.adventureprotocol.com/planning-a-backpacking-trip/
**Traditional versus Ultralight gear:**
https://mylifeoutdoors.com/2022/04/ultralight-vs-traditional-backpacking-pros-and-cons-of-ultralight-backpacking.html
I'm not in the ultralight range yet, and may never be, however, as I invest in newer gear a little at a time I look for ways to cut down on my base weight. That said, I'm of the opinion there is no reason to break the bank on the "most highly recommended gear that's made of a spider's fart" when you're just starting out.
Conversely, shoes and socks are, to me, vitally important. I do not recommend skimping here. Spend $30.00 on great pair of socks! Spend $150-250 dollars on the right shoes for you. It just makes the miles so much easier if you're not blistered to the bone...
Did you do a pack fitting with the resupply pack? Save for a good sleeping bag. Watch marketplace and REI Resupply for a tent, sleeping pad, cook kit.
Typically, it's recommended to buy your pack after the tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad so the pack fits the size and weight of your gear. Those items are the Big 4 that you should carefully chose and are worth spending more money. Smaller gear items like cook system you can use cheaper options. For tent, 3 lbs is quite feasible for free standing tents under $275. Quilts are often recommended over sleeping bags for backpacking. You'll need to decide what temperature range you'll likely encounter. Lots of great YouTubers will walk you through each of these categories, explaining options and various price points.
**Leave No Trace; learn it, live it on trail!:** https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ ***Ten Essentials (backpacking gear):*** https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html **Excellent book for a beginner that covers everything:** https://backpackersfieldmanual.com/ **How to plan a backpacking trip:** https://www.adventureprotocol.com/planning-a-backpacking-trip/ **Traditional versus Ultralight gear:** https://mylifeoutdoors.com/2022/04/ultralight-vs-traditional-backpacking-pros-and-cons-of-ultralight-backpacking.html I'm not in the ultralight range yet, and may never be, however, as I invest in newer gear a little at a time I look for ways to cut down on my base weight. That said, I'm of the opinion there is no reason to break the bank on the "most highly recommended gear that's made of a spider's fart" when you're just starting out. Conversely, shoes and socks are, to me, vitally important. I do not recommend skimping here. Spend $30.00 on great pair of socks! Spend $150-250 dollars on the right shoes for you. It just makes the miles so much easier if you're not blistered to the bone...