>>1680926go to a backpacking store. try on some of the backpacks there. they can load them up with like 40lbs of supplies and let you wear it around the store for a while. It will feel heavy as shit since you are not used to it. now imagine having a shitty milsurp backpack instead with that same weight. you may change your mind on wanting one. I have both. I have a gregory baltoro I use for hikes greater than a mile. and I have a military backpack with molle all over it that I use for canoe camping. Both are useful. If you don't plan on going more than a mile ever then milsurp is just fine and dandy.
Food - I recommend silver turtle for anyone new. Its easy AF and super tasty. Basically you do all your meal prep at home. cut up potatoes and carrots and make a large hamburger patty. get some aluminum foil. spray it with cooking spray or butter it up. you put all the veggies and hamburger inside the aluminum foil. make a bundle. I triple wrap it. then put this in a ziploc bag. cause it WILL leak blood into your backpack if you dont. When you get to camp, just make a fire and put the silver turtle into the coals. let the fire die down a bit first. when you think its done - after like 45 mins - you just cut a slit in the top and eat out of the aluminum foil bowl (another reason to triple wrap it).
Tips for a first timer: dont go alone. dont go far. let people know EXACTLY where you will be. Take extra water. limit axe/knife use until proficient. dont set tent too close to fire. take extra food. hang food in tree away from camp. dont leave any food in backpack or tent. take a pillow of some sort. dont forget firemaking supplies.
