purchasing my 1st hiking gear(opinions wanted)

[acv]

I'm gonna be in the georgia part of the AT btw guys

alright guys I have revised the list a little bit

as many of you pointed out golite gear is good, but not if you aren't concerned with actually going lite.

new pack is gonna be a kelty red cloud 5600

I am gonna go with the kelty mistral 20 bag. $13 cheaper and seems to be a higher quality bag(based on reviews I've read)

and the rest of the stuff

msr pocket rocket

camel back 100oz reservoir

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Sleeping Mat - 72 x 20 x 0.6 in

Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700 Mug

rei long handle ti spoon

gonna take a bic lighter and a firesteel+cotton balls dipped in petroleum for my fire needs

I'll take my trusty esse rc3+ either a dc4 or some sort of card sharpener(haven't decided which to get yet)

merino wool socks

fenix pd30 r4 light+an extra set of batteries

food is going to be prob 2 or 3 freeze dried bags per day+cliff bars to eat as snacks(if you guys have any recommendations on nifty food items, or better tasting ones speak up)

my friends dad has a water purifier, and at this time I'm not really lookin to pony up anymore money. friends dad also supposedly has tents to use


what other little things will I need for the trip? I think I've got all the major things covered, but I'm sure I missed plenty of the smaller essentials

Looks good so far. Here's a few comments:

Shelter - Check that tent out before you take it. Make sure it has all the poles and stakes you need. You might want to pack a ground cloth 3mil plastic tarps work well for the short term.

Clothing - I'm not sure of the temps in GA but I'd throw in a fleece jacket or down jacket it might be a little chilly at night or during a break. On trips when I feel it's going to be cold at night I pack some lightweight long underwear. It really helps you stay warm at night. A fleece hat might be handy and maybe some gloves.

Essentials - Map & compass, you should have both. First Aid kit you should have one. Poncho or rain gear it's handy to have when it rain. Toilet paper is nice if you don't want to to use natures offerings. I'd throw in some hand sanitizer or soap. I'd buy some MP1 tabs as a back up for the filter. Filters can break or freeze up.

Misc - Cell phone just in case you have service. Camera take one and post some pics!

Have fun.