What is are musthaves while backpacking? I want to take those, and downsize as much as possible. I’m still in high school don’t want to waste any more of my parents money than I have to.

I don’t want to cheap out on long term useful gear, but I don’t need the most expensive ultralight backpacking speed run equipment. I am going with my sister for two day one night backpacking trip. I’ll be contributing to it a little bit but my parents are already doubtful of the trip already, high costs on top of that will definitely convince them to not let me go. I plan to go again in the future but I don’t want to get ahead of myself before I’ve even gone once.

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The climate is very similar to Ontario, and the trails im planning on heading to are in black bear territory. During the summer (when I’ll be going it) rains quite often so I’ll have to take that into account.