Alpine asked…
I’d like to think of it more as a meandering, and thus, perfectly in keeping with the subject of the OP. I’m pleased that this thread has attracted several people that know enough about this stuff to debate it seriously. I’ll print this out as a reference as the day approaches, so by all means, carry on!
Thanks again,
Part of my hiking gear includes a fleece inner coat liner that claims to be 100% natural fiber.
Another good lightweight natural insulator is down, although the other lining is synthetic to repel water.
I use both in cold-wet weather.
I definitely agree with everyone who said to get good boots. Make sure you buy them from a camping store with a salesperson who knows what they’re talking about. Ill-fitting boots will ruin your trip. Break them in by wearing them everywhere, but make sure that you are happy with them in a trail hike setting (including steep hills). My fiancee wore her boots everywhere, but when the time came to actually hike with them she found they gave her blisters on her pinkie toes when hiking on steep downhills. Important: don’t forget to wear the socks you’ll be hiking in when you buy your boots.
As for socks, I prefer a thin polypropylene (sp?) sock under a heavy wool sock. The polypro wicks the sweat away, and the wool socks keep your feet warm, even if they get wet.
For training, start slowly. Do stairs and treadmill at the gym, but don’t forget your upper body - your pack will be very heavy so you’ll need a strong back and chest. Do several short day hikes without a pack, and work up to longer hikes, gradually increasing the weight in your pack.
Be prepared for rain. I always pack my socks and underwear in ziploc bags. There is nothing worse than hiking in wet socks. Pack a long string to use as a clothesline.
Pack a blister kit - it can save your trip. Pack for emergencies: bring matches, compass, knife, maps and a whistle. Even if your group has a first aid kit, it’s good to have a small one yourself in case of emergency.
Lastly, remember to have fun. Camping is the most relaxing thing you will ever do - if you remember that it is supposed to be fun and don’t get stressed out if something goes wrong.
Any more questions? 
OUTER lining, not OTHER.
D’OH!!
[hijack]
Love your username! Do you use the product? I like the black label personally, and Absolut is next in line…I bring them on hikes, but not long ones.[/hijack]
You lucky dude! The Sierra Nevadas are beautiful, you will love it. One item from a somewhat-out-of-shape-but-still-love-outdoors-type - pace yourself if you are not used to hiking. It is quite different than running, and you should keep in mind that dehydration is a real sneaky bastard (ooh, sorry). I have seen a few young people (teenage) go own for the count, thinking they were invinsible. Your guides will watch for that, I’m sure. If you take it easy, you’ll also enjoy the journey more.
Have fun, and get omeone else to carry the heavy stuff, nyak, nyak!
Sili
Drink plenty of it. The rule is, if you’re thirsty it’s already too late. Bring energy foods–powerbars, gorp (trail mix)–you’re going to be using up lots of calories. I always crash mid-afternoons. If you’re feeling tired and cranky, you need a break. Sit down, eat some real food (fruit, cheese, etc.) for about 20 minutes. That’s the only way I can make it to the campsite without my husband killing me.
When you’re getting fitted for your boots, don’t forget to walk down the ramp (most outdoor sporting goods stores have them) to make sure your toes are smashing against the front of your boot (I’ve lost a couple of toenails from that).
If I can backpack, you can. I’m 5’2" and overweight. I’ve got strong legs (it ain’t all fat). Some people do better hiking fast and then taking breaks. I hike slowly and steadily–experiment and see what’s best for you.
Bring raingear. If you don’t want to invest in Goretex, get a nylon jacket and pants. You may not need them, but speaking from experience, if you get wet and it’s even slightly cold, you’re in trouble. Even if you don’t get hypothermia, you’re going to suffer.
Don’t forget the camera (and a disposable panorama camera). You want to remember everything!
Buy a Thermarest(?). I believe LL Bean sells them, as well as a few other camping places. It’s a small, lightweight, insulated sleeping mat. I don’t know how cold it gets in August, but in November the days are hot, the night air is warm, and the night ground is freezing.
And don’t be afraid to admit you’re tired/hot/hungry to the other hikers. Nothing’s worse than having to stop for two days because some idiot was too manly to tell the leader he was suffering and ended up hypothermic or dehydrated.
As it happens, I recently made up a list for my mom of packing suggestions for a hiking trip she’s making. First is the “Scout Outdoor Essentials”-- Boy Scouts are supposed to have these things whenever they go anywhere outside.
[ul]
[li]Knife[/li][li]First Aid Kit. I would recommend band-aids, some sort of antiseptic, a large gauze bandage or two, medical tape, an Ace bandage, moleskin, and any medications you might be taking.[/li][li]Extra clothing-- espescially socks; keep in a watertight bag.[/li][li]Rain gear[/li][li]Canteen or water bottle-- You should expect to go through a gallon or more a day.[/li][li]Flashlight[/li][li]Trail food-- I recommend granola bars and GORP[/li][li]Matches and firestarters-- A candle or two works well.[/li][li]Sun protection-- Wide-brimmed hat and lotion[/li][li]Map and compass[/ul][/li]These items should be packed so you can get at them quickly.
Other items:
Watch
Twine or rope (can you tie a bowline?)
a tarp
Mess kit? (I don’t know what the eating arrangements will be)
Pencil and paper
Binoculars
Camera
Field guides-- birds, trees, etc.
Wet wipes / no-water soap
A mirror (good for signalling, in an emergency)
Safety pins and rubber bands
Scissors
Extra batteries (for flashlight and camera)
Calamine lotion-- for poison ivy
Plastic grocery bags
You might also want a shovel, hatchet, or emergency flares, but I probably wouldn’t bother.
Note also that most of my hiking experience is flat forest, not mountain, so I might be a bit off on some of these items.
I like MREs to eat. They’re filling and you don’t need to carry a mess kit. They can be eaten cold if necessary. You can boil the entree in a canteen cup (the kind that fits on the bottom of a canteen) to heat it, or carry some disposable MRE heaters.
You might want to get a walking stick. This will help you keep your balance on tricky trails, and take some of the stress off of your legs. Mine is just under five feet long and has a point on the end. There’s a rubber cap for using it on pavement (hey, sometimes you might walk on roads). It took me a while to find it. I had to find a stick that “liked” me.
I joined REI. You don’t need to be a member to shop there, but if you join you get a dividend. About 10% of your purchases. I think the one-time membership fee is $15. If you spend $150, then it’s paid for itself. I’ve been a member since 1982, so it’s paid for itself over and over and over… This year my dividend is $170. I think I’ll get a Yakima rack for the Jeep. There is also an REI Mastercard that gets you 1% dividend on non-REI purchases. I tried the link (below) to their site, but it was “not found”. This one works: http://www.rei.com/
REI has stores in Niles and Oakbrook Terrace, IL. I don’t know how far those are from Chicago.