I do a ton of backpacking trips every year. Really got into it about 5 or 6 years ago when I first started travel nursing. I work about half the year out here in California and have gone all over the state. Actually have a 4 day trip planned next week in the Los Padres National Forest outside of Santa Barbara. Haven't done much hiking back home, but I'm normally too busy with deer season when I'm back in AL. I've worked at camping stores and spend a lot of time researching and testing out new gear, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I've gotten more into ultralight backpacking the last couple years, which keeps my pack weight down to around 10 pounds before food and water. Makes a big difference on my knees climbing up mountains haha.