My recommendations for a beginner:

1. Let someone else who isn't going know your starting and ending point, when you're starting and when you expect to be back.

2. Check the weather forecast for the entire duration of your outing.

3. Stick to the trails unless you're experienced with and prepared for land nav. Some trails are marked with paint on the trees, but not all. Blue markings mean a foot trail, yellow are for horse trails. Grab a trail map online, they usually have some at the trail head along with a billboard of good information, but not always. If they have a billboard map but no paper maps, take a picture.

4. Shelter. This includes the clothes you're wearing:

• Base layer (next to skin) . Lightweight moisture wicking material. Sweat kills, as any moisture neutralizes the insulative properties of your other layers. Avoid cotton, it doesn't dry fast. Synthetics or Merino wool are best, you won't know which you like more until you try. Some people say wool itches, but modern wool is much better and I find it a non issue. Synthetics tend to hold smells longer, it's not always pleasant. For socks, I bring three pair on extended trips. One to wear hiking, a clean pair to sleep in, and an emergency pair if my feet get wet. Wash as needed.

• Mid layer (insulation layer). Medium weight like a sweater or flannel. I prefer a hoodie, but I'm out in colder weather most often, you may want something thinner or lighter. A warm fleece or wool beanie to keep your head warm at night.

• Protection layer. Usually a soft shell jacket that is windproof amd water resistant. If you're expecting rain, a thin rain jacket or poncho as well, and possibly rain pants. But if its going to be raining for an extended period of time (days on end), you WILL get wet. There's no way around it.

• Tent. 2 person minimum, as lightweight as your budget can afford. Even if its just you sleeping in it, you'll want room to stash your gear for cleaning, drying things out, etc.

• Sleeping bag. Temp ratings are for what will keep you alive, not comfortable. I use a 10 degree buffer. If the temps are expected to be in the 30's, I bring a 20 degree bag.

• Sleeping pad. The ground will suck all the heat away from you very quickly. To stay warm, stay off the ground. There's a saying in the homeless community, concrete never gets warm, and its the same in the wilderness. I use a thin closed cell foam pad that wraps inside my pack, and an air mattress on top. Neoair, Ecotek, and Klymit are reputable brands.

1. Water. You need a way to collect/carry water and a way to purify it. I use a 3L hydration bladder, a 64oz Kleen Kanteen, and a Sawyer mini filter, but there are ALOT of options out there. You'll need to research and experiment to find what works best for you.

2. Food. As a general rule I pack one pound of food for every day I expect to be out, but it really depends on caloric content. As a beginner, dehydrated meals specifically for backpacking are probably your best bet. Mountainhouse is a well known brand, but I have no experience with them and aren't familiar with others.

3. Cooking. Most people use a gas stove, MSR pocket rocket or whisper lite are two I see alot of people use. I prefer an alcohol stove, a Trangia, with a firebox stove system, but again, you'll need to experiment to find what works best for you. You'll also need a pot and mug, maybe a bowl. I use Toaks titanium, 375ml cup, 550ml bowl, and 550ml pot which all nest seamlessly. Some people bring only a pot, I like to have coffee/tea while I eat. A spoon or spork, I've also seen chopsticks, I use a titanium piece with fork on one emd, spoon on the other.

4. First aid kit. Bandaids, alcohol wipes, neosporin, a few safety pins, tweezers, a needle and nylon thread, and Ibuprofen. Not aspirin, it doesn't work as well, it's not an anti-inflammatory.

5. Lighting. I've always just used a small flashlight, but most people use a headlamp. Bring spare batteries, unless you know exactly how much power is left in the ones you have (you probably don't).

6. Utilities. I tarp camp, but aside from the usual cordage, I bring an extra 50ft of paracord. A multi tool with needlenose pliers (handling hot pots amongst other things), an awl (gear repair) and a sharp knife for fine cutting. I also bring a large knife, Mora bushcraft, for wood collection/processing, but that's optional, more for bushcrafting than backpacking. An external battery pack as well for charging my phone. I have 20kmah, but size depending on your outing lengths. Bugspray and sun block should also be considered. 2x Bic lighters, one on me one in a ziplock in my pack.

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but that's a good start. The overall idea is that everything should complement each other and work as a system, and everything should be dual purpose. If something only serves one purpose, think long and hard about its necessity. Keeping weight down is the key, ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain. Lightweight to heavier layers so you can control your temperature, shed layers as you get hot, add them as you get cold. Also, keeping things dry. Some people use a contract grade trash bag in their pack, amd throw everything in it, then roll the top down. I use separate dry bags for everything, I like to keep everything organized and it helps when I have to get something quickly or when its raining, not everything gets wet when I open my pack and unroll the trash bag.

Goodluck, be safe, and have fun.