Tips....all taken (mostly) from past experiences

    Always use plenty of Mosquito repellent. -A&A   
    Never assume that your dog will miss that chipmunk unless you are 
     starving {then she will}. -A&A
    If you timed your trip right then the chocolate should all be gone 
     on your second day into a five day hike. -A&A
    !!!Avoid Natural Foods Dehydrated Beef Burgandy at all costs!!! -A&A

   Bring coffee filters in place of T.P. and paper towels. They are stronger,
   better when wet, weigh hardly any more, and have many more uses then T.P.
   can take on. Wrap them on your water filters prefilter to help filter 
   life. -Scott
   Duct tape and garbage bags can be heros. -Scott
   Pack it in pack more out. -Scott
   Stuff sacks are for stuffing. Stuff sleeping bags into them do not roll them
   up first. Never fold a tent the same way each time, fold it messy and then
   stuff it. -Scott
   Do not whistle to make bears aware of you. In nature the bears natural diet
   uses a whistle to warn of his presence (Marmots etc.). This agrivates him
   and attracts his attention directly to you. Speak in a human voice make
   human noises. Bells can not always be heard when you have moving water,
   which is where bears like to be. -Scott
   Seam seal, seam seal, seam seal. All manufacturers say to do it. Never let a
   salesman tell you a tent does not need it. I know I am one of those
   salesman. -Scott
   Know your map and compass. GPS and cellular are not self rescue devices.
   Batteries die. Search and rescue teams are volunteers for the most part.
   Let's help them out and know how to save ourselves. -Scott
   Always try a backpack on with weight in it. Walk around and see how it
   feels. If the store you are shopping at does not have weight bags or offer
   to load the pack for you, leave and take yourself to a store that does. Be
   sure to ask for help if you are not a pro. -Scott
   BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!! If you only plan on doing short trips don't buy
   gear for long ones. Lots of people buy gear telling themselves they will
   take long trips and only go for weekends. This only wastes money. -Scott
   Sleeping pads are the standard for the industry. A two person tent is called
   that because it can fit two standard pads (20x72in). Sleeping bags are
   temperature rated using a pad. With a 25 degree bag on a 30 degree night
   your back will get very cold. -Scott
   Drink plenty of water. Up to a quart an hour on hot days. Your body can
   sweat that much. Add some salt to your diet as well, this will make you
   drink more at meal times and also keeps the sodium count in your blood
   steady. Both the lack of salt or water can be very dangerous. -Scott

Got a tip for us??  A funny story??  
E-mail us at aabackpacking@usa.com and we'll be sure to post it
and give you all the credit! 
Note 1: This page will soon be organized so you can actually find the tips 
        you're looking for...concept, I know!
Note 2: Nothing we say can totally prepare you for the outdoors.  Changes
        in weather, trail conditions, etc are to be expected.  In other
        words, don't do something stupid and blame us!!!