Depending on how serious you are when it comes to a backpack will determine how much you spend. If you get a cheap backpack, you will not be happy because it is not designed to fit your body and makes it difficult to wear for any length of time. You can find Camp Trails brand at Uncle Sams and Dunns. This is a good low end pack. If you are just looking for a day pack, then Walmart is your place. I would suggest going to REI and getting measured for a pack. This will determine your size and what features you might be looking for. I bought a Shasta (made by Gregory) on e-Bay and paid around 200.00 for it. It is a nice large pack, fits me and is very confortable. I would also suggest going to http://www.gearfinder.com/ss.asp?FAM=Packs to help you decide what you need in a pack and what the best pack is for the $$$ you are going to spend. As far as the earlier questions. Camping on the trail is just a primative camp along the way. I never have fires on the trail. I use a backpacker stove (Whisperlite International) for all my cooking needs. I always follow LNT principles (Leave No Trace). I don't pitch a tent unless the weather is going to get bad. Then, you don't want to be on the trail. You can find more on planning and packing helpful hints at www.backpacker.com. This site is a wealth of information to the beginner as well as the professional. I plan on doing a few trips this fall and winter. I am thinking about the Ozark Highlands Trail for a December trip. Let me know when you are planning on doing the Taum Sauk portion of OT. I might be able to join you. Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe Taylor To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM Subject: [GeoStL] Another NGR Question... OK I am a Cheep-O, and do most of my buying at wal-mart. I am having probelms looking for a Camping Backpack. I seen it on Wal-mart.com, and looked and looked around. Cant find it. Yeah I know... I know.. Go to REI.... The idea is to save money. My question is.... What is the Largest Wal-Mart in the St Louis Area? Or is there another spot I can get a camping backpack for under $100? Joe Taylor IS IT FRIDAY YET? Check out my NEW Web Page Favorite GC - Stories and Adventures UPDATED - JUNE 9,2005 Rockey the Flying Squirrell What is Geocaching (In case you are not in the Geocaching Mailing Groups) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com