I survived my first trip, ate my first beef jerky. Not bad for 10 days in Utah...Learned alot...like some gear is really important and the van will always break down in Kansas on a Sunday after 5pm. Since I don't have much gear I have to buy it. I 'd rather buy the good stuff once than the cheap stuff that will break after 1 use.

So far I love my camelback bottles, great even when dropped off ledges and I don't have to wear all my water down the front of my shirt like the Nalgene bottles.

My Merrel hiking shoes with the Vibram bottoms.

I need a tent, sleeping pad..some tiny little backpacker stove that runs on alcohol.

The clothes were demolished...so if anyone knows a good kind please share.

bluyedpoet, Where is KS did you break down?