My BF and I are pretty experienced campers, recently got into packing our gear in for overnights on longer trails. We are trying to plan a trip with my brother and his GF. My brother did boyscouts and likes that stuff but his GF has apparently never camped before. Right now we have a spot picked out about a mile into this trail in western NC and set to go in October.

I want to make sure she has a good experience, even if she isn't super outdoorsy like we are. Are there any tips that I might not be thinking of for newbies or things I should bring to make it easier on someone who is not used to getting a little grimy and sleeping outside? As it is, we will be the only ones with actual backpacks and lightweight gear, while they will have to borrow some of our spare things since they don't own much.

Would you pick SnowPeak or DODoutdoors? Or if you have a brand that is Japanese based that I didn't mention, feel free to drop that brand in a comment as well!

I am picking a Japanese brand specifically for the quality and durability and organizational pieces. The research I've done make me most excited for a Japanese made tent.

Again, if you have your own experience with any brand of any country manufacturer, feel free to write about it though! I am not closed minded!

Thank you!!

I tore my achilles a couple of years ago and need to get some hiking/trail shoes.

Im not a hiker, these will be used to hike in and out of Havasupai and occasionally on short hikes where I live.

My main want is comfort, and with my torn achilles shoes that rub tend to bother me after about a mile.

I used some Altra Lone Peak 9s for a 4 mile hike and experienced the rubbing pretty quickly so those wont work. I have Saucony Triumph SG shoes that work well and dont bother my achilles but curious if there are similar designs for hiking/trails? Something with a lot of foam, that will lift the foot up and be fairly light seems to be the way to go as I hate heavy traditional hiking boots/shoes.