I am going to keep this pretty short and maybe more of an "open thread" for people to ask questions. There was a Diary up tonight that got me thinking. In the Diary it was mentioned an individual decided they were going to "occupy" for an extended period of time and allocated $500 for the effort.
Well I am a very avid hiker/camper and I could help if you are thinking of doing this and you have a limited budget. A lot of folks think you have to visit REI to buy camping stuff, that can cost you a small fortune.
Well that just isn't true. So below the fold a few suggestions and then just ask questions if you have them.
First and foremost go to an Army surplus store, not REI or LL Bean. Now if you want to "occupy" for a few years, well the top-of-the-line stuff would be a good buy. But if you are talking weeks, used or lower end stuff will work.
Second, if you are going to spend some money spent them on cloths. Socks. Underwear. Shoes. Hat. Just grabbing some comfy jeans, white tube socks, boxer shorts, and tennis shoes not such a good idea. Even more so if it is below freezing where you are going to be.
There are "special" socks, shoes, underwear, and hats if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. It will be the best money you've ever spent.
Sleeping bags and pads are key. No or little sleep is bad. Being cold while that happens much, much worse. You'll note they are rated to a temp. And that temp is when you are nude. So you don't need a -20 bag if you are in LA. The price difference between a -20 and a +20 bag is huge.
This list could go on for pages, but I think the most important. If you have questions please ask cause this is an area where I have a lot of experience.