Well I think I’ve finally got everything I need to get started. Been collecting stuff since I made this post. I’m going to try a few things out this weekend (stove, and setting up my tent) then I need to plan a trip for March or April. Any suggestions on a trip here in Alabama for a first time hiker would be appreciated.

Pinhoti trail or sipsey wilderness.

Same. My idea of camping is Motel 6.

So what I’ve got is
-An old school millitary surplus backpack 65 L
- A 4 piece millitary sleep system but I’m only going to be using the inner sleeping bag and maybe 2nd layer
- A Magellan stove
- A Magellan Kings peak II tent.
- sawyer mini water filter.
- headlamp
-venture out doors Microban sleeping pad 78x25 in.
-Stanley stainless steel cook pot
- some other off brand stainless steel bowl/pot.
- home made first aid kit
-Multi tool

I think I have enough to get started most of this stuff I found cheap or was gifted to me

When I overnight camp I take a canoe. It is the only way to carry all my beer and other stuff I'll need to enjoy camping.

Best way to find out what you need is to get out in the bush.

I'd propose the Sypsey wilderness as others have said. A buddy of mine led me down the creek in kayaks and it was a blast. The waterfalls were frozen and the water was ice blue. We made camp in a sort of cave/ rock hang over deal and it worked well.

The first aid kit should be tailored to the potential issues you deem to be pertinent for the region where you are overnight hiking and any potential threats you might face. I'd definitely consider a combat action tourniquet (CAT) as others have mentioned. I've been looking to add the zipstich adjustable bandage. It would close up a serious laceration. You might consider some quickclot gauze as well.

If you ever want to come out to Colorado let me know. We can set something up. I try to get out to hammock camp as much as possible but now we have a travel trailer so my free time is limited.

Oh yea...using a hammock and tarp for your shelter makes things easy. You don't need flat ground, just two mounting points. You can even customize things for winter, but that does add weight depending on the temps.

might eventually get into hammock camping, but not yet, going to start out slow. My dad and his friends always go some where for their annual "He Man" primitive car camping trip. Wherever they decide to go this weekend I am going with them to try out my tent, stove, and sleeping system.

Fire starter. I use dryer lint most of time.

This is one thing i forgot. I want need it this weekend because they will have fire starter and fire wood. But if I go out hiking some where I would want to build a fire at night.

That sounds fun, I might eventually do that, I figure a flask of bourbon will do if i want a beverage before bed.

That would start getting heavy carrying a flask for every night I'd be gone

Plenty of ways to start fires that don't involve lint collection although it isnt bad. Just kinda basic.

See... I figure maybe pre-provision. Go hide fifths of Wild Turkey at strategic places along the trail. I would give you goals to hike to. but then you have the whole "ice" problem unless you were camping in sub-freezing temps.

Do they make gallon sized flask?

Yes, yes you do. May need a pack mule to carry more than a couple of those bad boys.

These guys pretty much nailed it.
https://rootsrated.com/stories/the-5-best-overnight-hikes-in-alabama

I also reread most of these posts, ensure you add a headlamp to your list. Also a pack of hot hands in your sleeping bag can be nice on a windy night

I was wanting to start backpacking, but ended up with a canoe. I LOVE some canoe camping. I want to do some float trips this year, but all my trips have been in and out trips on back waters of Lake Guntersville.

I really like river trips when picking spots that don't have great "day trip access." I have floated for 3 days and only seen a couple people (per trip). If it is hot I like to stash a vehicle 1/2 way on the trip to resupply any ice, food, or beverages. It also helps if you get in trouble with big storms or flooding.

Backpacking from a base camp along a river is great because you can reach areas most don't venture to on foot. Just locate streams and rivers in NF and especially large wilderness areas and you'll many times hike without ever seeing another human.

Nice setup. We gotta get you a better tarp. That joker will make some noise in the wind.