Packs

See the photo? That's an 80 liter pack next to my 20. That's 60 liters of shit you don't need.

To figure out what size you need, take everything you're going to bring with you, fold it neatly, and pile it into a tower. Then buy a pack half that size and cut shit out. 30 to 40 liters should be enough. Most people bring 50 to 60.

Definitely go to a camping or hiking store and have one of the experts help you get it fitted. Packs are made to distribute weight evenly, and you should barely be able to feel the weight of a fully loaded pack. If it hurts, it doesn't fit right. You can cut weight by buying an ultra-light pack, but don't overdo it. Find something that feels good, regardless of size. Better to have a heavy pack that feels good than a lightweight one that sucks. You can always leave it half-empty.

One thing to look for is a pack with a ventilated back panel. This allows air to circulate and sweat to escape, making you less disgusting and more presentable. Osprey and Gregory make a few of these that seem to earn excellent reviews.