Im interested in getting into hiking would like to be able to do day hikes as well as long distance multi day hikes. I'm interested in recommendations for a good hiking pack in the price range of $500 to 1500 hundred dollars additionally I'm debating between a tent or a hammock as a sleeping opinion would welcome any recommendations in the same price range as the pack. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
I have been an avid hiker in one form or another for many decades. My parents liked to hike, and they introduced me to it.
The first rule is that everybody thinks that they need more stuff than they really do. You don't need to be laden down with tons of stuff that will make a heavy pack an ordeal.
The first consideration is your boots, and everyone has an opinion. There are high-tech hiking boots that can run many hundreds of dollars, and construction boots from Walmart that work for some people.
I prefer Corcoran military jump boots for several reasons. First, they have a lot of ankle support that helps when carrying heavy loads. They have a steel shank in the sole that protects from barbed wire, and they are very durable. They also provide excellent protection from snakes bites, stinging ants, leeches, and so forth
Any boot needs to be broken in before taking it on the trail. A good thing to do is wear light nylon dress socks under a pair of the hiking socks that you choose, and this will help prevent blisters.
A good pack is a must. There are internal frame backpacks, and external frame backpacks.
My favorite external frame backpack is the Kelty Tioga. See below:
It is a time-tested workhorse that's simple to use and understand. The frame allows air circulation between the pack and your body, which helps keep you cool and--by evaporating sweat--helps prevent skin fungal infections.
Military ALICE packs are preferred by some, but they are on the heavy side and tend to become uncomfortable after several miles.
Any pack should be tested, or even fitted by a specialist. An ill-fitting pack can cause untold misery on the trail, while a well-fitting pack is a joy to use.
As far as tents go, it depends upon where and when you're hiking.
I prefer small, one-man tents when I hike, as a good one is light and easy to set up. The one below runs less than $100.00.
This Alps Mountaineering tent is light, sturdy, and easy to set up. A tent needs to provide protection from insects like deerflies, blackflies, and--of course--mosquitoes.
There are small, wood-burning backpack stoves that save weight on fuel canisters, and other stoves that are light, compact, and usually burn a propane-butane mix. Shop around, and pick one that suits your needs.
Don't be afraid to experiment with your choice of stuff by camping in the back yard for a few nights. Things that sound good in theory often don't pan out in the real world, so find out in the back yard rather than 20 miles out on the trail.
Also, read
Wild, by Cheryl Strayed,
The Complete Walker, by a corporate author, and
Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival, by Tom Brown Jr.
You really don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Focusing on the experience rather than loads of stuff will be ten times more rewarding.
Also, bring a camera and different lenses so that you can capture your trip and share your memories with your loved ones.
Let me know if I can answer any questions or clarify anything.
I hope this was helpful.
Good luck.