re: I'm looking to get into hiking.

If you are on a budget, let's say $700-$1000 as mentioned, I would certainly invest that money in quality backpacking boots (not hiking boots) if planning to do strenuous multiday hikes where you have 50+ lbs of gear. If just plan on day hiking for awhile, then you should be fine with hiking boots. Backpacking boots have heavy duty soles in them and can withstand alot more weight and pounding than hiking boots and that equals less weight transfer to your feet/legs/back which means less fatigue. Lowa, Meindl, Vasque, Salomon, Merrell, Keen, etc. Dont buy a $100 pair of Timberlands and think youre going to be OK doing a 3+ day hike in tough terrain, your feet will hate you.

The other piece of gear I would invest in is a high quality pack with hip belt system that you properly fit to yourself. I like Eberlestock packs, but I use them for hunting mainly.

A 10 day trip is not how you should start backpacking It's takes damn near everything I have to make it over 2 nights. So I guess my advice is to slow the roll just a tad. Maybe try a couple two day trips.

That being said, Alaska would be a great place to get started. Good luck!!

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orth Alabama and Tennessee have tons of trails. I went on a backpacking trip on the Pinhoti trail over Thanksgiving in AL.

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Agree! I too recently did pinhoti. Damn near broke my ankle. There are tons of trails in this area. And smokey nat. Park is about 4 hours away.

Better trip would be rafting the tatshenshini-Alask rivers. Two weeks but it's the best raft trip in the world.

Also, cross Baranof island or cross admiralty island. Lots of big bears too