>>564890All of this. And here is something more for your consideration:
Gear can be, but doesn't have to be expensive.
A $30 sleeping bag rated to 30°F will keep you as warm as a $300 sleeping bag rated to 30°F. There are differences in quality, weight, service and material of course. But the temperature ratings are EN standardised. There are three values, Comfort means this is the lowest temperature an average women will be comfy in. Lower limit means this is the lowest temperature an average male will be comfy in. Risk means you might survive, but hypothermia might set in after 6 hours.
The rating is measured without wind and with a good sleeping pad. To block wind get a tent or bivvy or some other kind of shelter. Good sleeping pads have a R-value, the higher the value, the less heat is sapped away from below, the warmer it is. Even the warmest summer night will be a nightmare if you don't have one. Closed cell foam has good R-value, is cheap and light but is bulky. Start with one of those. Therm-a-rest makes solid ones. The one that looks like an eggcarton is popular and a solid choice for a starter and many pros use it as well.
You backpack can be you school bag in the beginning. But you can make more miles if you have a proper pack with frame and all that. All the brand names have proper backpacks, try to find the model from a few years back for discounts and to save coin. I got a Berghaus bioflex lite 50 for 100 euros, down from 200.
Shelter: get a tarp, 3m by 3m or 9x9 for you people from Liberia with your funny measurements. This will be enough for a start. Maybe add a bugnet if thats a problem for you.
Cooking: make your own alcohol burner and use an old pot to get hot water.
Raincover: i have a large poncho, goodd enough to cover me and my pack in heavy rain. I also have quick drying trousers and shoes and an umbrella for light rain. If your shoes are waterproof and they get wet from the inside, they will take forever to dry.
