[nonot]

FYI - if you bought the pack from a store like REI, have the backpack folks do your pack adjustment for you - having a properly adjusted pack will help quite a bit.

If you don't need the tent right away - they do go on sale occasionally. Unfortunately you are buying at the season's peak so not much is on sale right now.

[te-wa]

no worries, it just sounds like a common response - tent fabric provides some false sense of security. I was looking at this chart today: http://www.edarnell.com/Stats.htm since i went on a mission to research bear attack/encounter dangers..
did you know how many fatal bear attacks have occured this year? 1 total so far, 8 1/2 months into '11
did you know how many fatal dog attacks have occured this year? 17

[OZZZ]

Preaching to the choir my friend. I'm not worried about it at all. In an attempt to ease her worries i did some research about a week ago, it sounded like there are only two fatal bear attacks previous to this year ....ever anyway. Also, shes not THAT bent out of shape about it. The whole bear things is getting a bit blown out of proportion - she's still fine with camping, she just wants to be in a tent instead of a hammock - so i bought a tent lol.

Thanks for all the gear suggestions everyone, its really helped give me the resources I need to make my decisions!

[writelots]

One really great way to check out different techniques and gear is to head out with a group... the Arizona Backpacking Club http://www.meetup.com/Arizona-Backpacking/ is an awesome group, and we have some great hikes coming up this midsummer and fall... Just a suggestion!

[te-wa]

a great way to get more info on any type of gear (focus is on lightweight) is to visit the www.backpackinglight.com site. that's where the Pro's live.

[OZZZ]

Awsome! Thanks for both those links ill be sure to check them both out thouroughly.

[Azbackcountry]

One really great way to check out different techniques and gear is to head out with a group... the Arizona Backpacking Club http://www.meetup.com/Arizona-Backpacking/ is an awesome group, and we have some great hikes coming up this midsummer and fall... Just a suggestion!

You can check that group out all you want, but I found that they are quite a group of snobs. If they don't know you, and doesn't appear they will like you from your pictures, any trips you sign up for they will go ahead and remove you from. They pick and choose who they let join their trips, it has happened to me and I have seen it happen to other ppl. I don't bother with that group, yet I still look at their site just to get an idea for trips I would like to do myself.

Just my $.02.....

[Trishness]

Ozzzzz,

Great choice on the Big Agnes sleeping pad. You'll love it.

[OZZZ]

Trishness .... I hope so. Its heavier then I like and I really struggled with purchasing it based on weight, but it is rather comfortable so I figured Ild give it a shot. Ive read a lot of reviews though of them (and the neo air) leaking on people though so Im not sure what to expect.

AZbackcountry - Sorry to hear that. Ive learned never to make assumptions though so Ill probably still look into it. If they end up not "liking" me its not that big of a deal (after all its a group of people I dont know lol). Never know till you try... but I do appreciate the heads up in case it turns out that way.

This thread has really helped me out a ton. Theres tons of links which Ive already been checking out and some great info. Tons more to read and Ill definately be looking to get out with a group. Linds and I havent met too many people out here anyway so it will be good on many different levels.

Thanks again everyone!