re: ***Official Hiking/Camping Thread***

1) Gregory is probably my favorite backpack company, with Osprey a close second. The hard padding just helps with support. You'll need that support if you have a heavy pack.

2) If it's hot, some type of mesh hat. I'll wear my Columbia fishing hat.

3) You can pack in a folding chair, but those are usually around 5 lbs, so it just depends on what type of weight you want to carry. I have a roll-up chair. It is not as comfortable as a folding chair, but it's only 1 lb, and it's small. It's better than nothing.