Here's the scenario. Your friends have invited you for a weekend backpacking trip to the great Grand Canyon. Are you psychologically to spend a weekend out with friends, but you realize that you have no idea what to pack and where to start. That's where I get Mr. Zaino. I'll tell you what you need to get started, and cover a few extras along the way.Obviously, the first thing you will need to go backpacking, all right, a backpack! Whether you are buying or renting, a good quality backpack means the difference between life and death. OK, maybe not death, but you can make a difference in quality of life on your journey. There is no right or wrong backpack, but it's a good idea to try a few and make sure you like the way it feels. Most internal frame packs have adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit and friendly. I will not cover all the details on how to mount it right, which requires patience and a personal touch to make it right. What I can tell you is where to start. Head down to your local sports, and ask someone there to help you try a few on. Tip: For a weekend trip, you probably want a larger package somewhere in the 3,600 to 4,500 cubic inch cubic inch range. And do not be overwhelmed by the many choices and choose what is the most expensive. More expensive packages only have multiple functions such as waterproofing or a swivel belt. Are you looking for simplicity here to begin. Go to REI and check some boxes. They also have many useful tutorials on there to show how they fit properly pack.The need a second one will probably need out there is water. But how do you store? Well my friend, you need a bladder. I personally use a Camelbak Omega which contains only about 3 liters of water. And do not worry, the package will have a place for the safe storage of your bladder. So what happens when you run out of water? That's where a water purifier comes into play there are two subtle differences between a water purifier and water filter. A water filter removes most of the bacteria and sediment from water that is about to take part. A water purifier will eliminate the water of almost any organism can also sick with parasites. A filter can not catch these buggers because they are smaller than bacteria. You want it easy and cheap? Get a Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter and buy some water purification tablets to kill the bugs left over. Trust me, it's better safe than sorry. Just make sure to read the instructions on the tablets first, as it usually takes about 4 hours before the water is "safe" for drink.The next thing I'm about to tell is about a first aid kit. This is a must so think of it as the kit "of survival," as well. If you think of John Rambo, you're kidding. The small band-aid and match tucked into your knife simply will not. You can make a home, but I suggest you buy one ready to go. Campmor offers a great kit to start called Ultralight 0.7 First Aid Kit. If you do not have time to wait in the mail, check out the essentials in there and be sure to purchase an equivalent product. And one more thing, do not be afraid to add your own little extra. I have a fish hook and line in my. This is one of the items in my package I do not care how much it weighs. When it comes to survival, you want to be able to make out alive.Now the accommodation for the night. Sure, you can sleep on the floor. I prefer not to have ants and spiders, or even bears, crawling on me while I sleep. So you will need a tent. If you want a light weight "did for backpacking" tent. There are too many different styles to get here, just make sure it is lightweight and comfortable. I use a Kelty Teton 2, which is made for two people and comes in just under 5 pounds. Sure, make lighter, but this tent is hot and has lots of room inside for me and my bag. Some tents are what are known as vestibules. A vestibule hangs over the tent, usually before the opening, and protects your gear from the elements. I do not keep my gear in the vestibule, because I'd rather not have bugs crawling in my boots and my package overnight. My advice, you do not absolutely need a tent that has one. All in all, just make sure you find a tent will be happy with. While sleeping in a tent, will be nice to be cozy and warm. That's where the sleeping bag comes in. I use a bag of 0 degrees Celsius throughout the year. If it is not your backpacking through the Everglades, and a sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees will do. Some people think I'm crazy in the summer, but if all you have to do is give a little warm up 'to unpack and you're done. It could also be a good idea to have a sleeping bag. These come in various shapes, sizes and weights. Some cars should be some swelling and deplete the body of oxygen before it is fully inflated. They are adding a burden and expense for the trip, but they are good for two reasons. The first reason is that it will more than likely be sleeping like a baby all night because you do not have branches and rocks poking you in the back. The second reason is that it keeps out of the ground, which will give you insulation to keep you warm.So we have the essential, but I'm hungry and you? There are a lot of magazines out there that will show you the exotic recipes you can take in the countryside with you. You may think you are going to need a thousand Ziploc baggies to store all your food I am here to tell you there is a simple and easy to packing your own food for hiking. It's called pre-made freeze dried meals. Now you might think freeze dried ice cream since the early '70s, but this stuff is much better! They have a variety of different types of food, from scrambled eggs, for Mac with beef chili, blueberry cobbler. There are two brands that make these delicious meal replacements, and Mountainhouse Backpackers Pantry. Both are great tasting high calorie meals that will keep Truckin 'along the route. I'm not a doctor or nutrition instructor, so I can not tell you what you need. That's up to your belly! Do not be sure to pack some of your favorites like extra packages of coffee, sugar, Tabasco and salt. But Dave, what should I cook? You will need a large piece of food to go out and eat. There are various brands and types of cookware out there, but your main focus should be on weight and durability. For this I suggest you go titanium. MSR and make good Snowpeak titanium products. Make sure to look through their wide selection and choose the one that best fits your needs. And when you have all realized what a mess, you need to fire. Some minimalists will only flint and steel for a striker with them to create fire. Will all the "hunter-gatherers in the wild and find the wood, kindling and tinder. I prefer to pack in a few ounces more with my tiny little stove. Yes, there are heaters out there that can fit in the palm of your hand. I recommend the Snowpeak Giga Stove. It weighs next to nothing and pumps out 10,000 BTU and impressive fur. But as I said many times in this article, take a look around and choose what you like.The last thing you need is clothing when hiking. Funny how that comes last. But in all seriousness, buy yourself some nice cotton / nylon blend pants hiking in. There are many different brands to choose from, but I found the pants Columbia Titanium being the most perfect for any occasion. They keep the wind from chilling your bones, and when they get wet, they dry super fast. Please for the love of all that is holy, do not find yourself hiking in denim jeans. Denim jeans are not good to breathe, so it's wet and chaffing soon find yourself in the area, it did not really want to be raw. They also restrict the movement that will make you work twice to climb those big turns. Also get yourself a good moisture wicking shirt. Mixes polyester / nylon work well to keep moisture off. T-shirts, cotton absorbs sweat and does not dry out faster, so you're sure to be unhappy if you wear one. The last and most important article of clothing you need is shoes. Some travelers choose to buy both medium and heavy boots to have a pair for every occasion. On average I mean that the boots are very light and usually do not offer any type of ankle support. They often appear as the shoes are not waterproof, and does not offer any type of load bare support. When I first started hiking, I bought a pair of heavy boots that lace above the ankle. Liners have Gor-Tex, which is a material that keeps your feet warm and dry. They add a little 'more poundage, but hey, when it comes to protecting your ankles it's worth it. My philosophy is: if I can take a short hike to the day with heavy boots, so I know it will be good to me with a package of 45 pounds tied to my back. If it is not able to run a small day trip mileage with a nice pair of boots, then you will be able to backpack. Period.Remember beginning I gave the scenario in the Grand Canyon? All this is still true to this. However, there are some things that could change depending on the location. As if you have rough terrain hiking, you might want a nice trekking pole. Or, if you're hiking in Yosemite, you will need a box to pay to keep your food. You'll also want to look into things like GPS, gloves, a hat, a compass and maps. There are many options and styles for your chance to return, but will require a little 'research on your part. I pointed out the bare essentials you will need while backpacking, it's up to you to make it happen. Have fun for your gear and, as always, enjoy the trip.