Can you suggest a good website for a beginner backpacker?

I would like more info on what others pack and where people go in my area. Thanks!Can you suggest a good website for a beginner backpacker?
BackpackingLight.com has a three season UL backpacking checklist (Funny, my FSO is lighter than this): http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/鈥?/a> and Backpacker Magazine has several lists: http://www.backpacker.com/gear_checklist鈥?/a> which is my answer to your question.





For backpacking information I can't recommend highly enough the BackpackingLight Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Backpackin鈥?/a> There are people in this group from across the country, some of whom undoubtedly live in your area, and would know all the best spots.





You didn't ask, but the book ';Lighten Up!: A Complete Handbook for Light and Ultralight Backpacking'; by Don Ladigin is an excellent backpacking primer: http://www.amazon.com/Lighten-Up-Complet鈥?/a>Can you suggest a good website for a beginner backpacker?
I would suggest searching for a group that backpacks. Backpacking is safer in numbers. Local colleges may have an outdoor program. The Boy Scouts may have a unit that backpacks.





For gear review, tips, trips, and other helpful suggestions, Backpacker magazine is very helpful. If you have a specific question, you can contact me.
I would talk to the local natural resources office to see what groups go backpacking and the area they go. Also ask for recommendations on gear too.





http://www.backpacking.net/


http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking.htm


http://www.rei.com/category/4500001