Reddit reviews Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book: Traveling & camping skills for a wilderness environment (Allen & Mike's Series)

Does she hike much? If not, definitely do some day hikes with similar mileage and elevation gain to your planned trip so that she can make sure her sock and shoe combo works for her regarding blisters and such.

I feel like getting bad blisters could be a major bummer on a fairly long trip like that. Most other stuff can be conquered by a good attitude and snacks, but blisters on day 1 of 5 would be no fun.

You might find that either you reading a book written for beginners to remind yourself of what beginners need to know, or her reading one (depending on her preference) might help. Something like Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpacking Book or Ultralight Backpackin' Tips or Long Trails by Liz Thomas might be a solid choice.

And of course, ask her if she has any concerns, what she's excited about, etc etc.

Regarding buying gear, don't forget that if you buy something used, and don't damage it, you can probably sell it for pretty much the same price you paid for it. So keep an eye out on /r/ulgeartrade and similar forums.

This is a good spot to start:

Allen and Mikes Really Cool Backpackin' Book
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Mikes-Really-Cool-Backpackin/dp/1560449128/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Check out these books if you haven't seen them yet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0762737344/ref=tmm_pap_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&qid=&sr=

https://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpackin-Tips-Inexpensive-Lightweight/dp/0762763841/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0762763841&pd_rd_r=KECR7BQ2FKBK8YEB8R5E&pd_rd_w=oEMgW&pd_rd_wg=jbk23&psc=1&refRID=KECR7BQ2FKBK8YEB8R5E

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Mikes-Really-Cool-Backpackin/dp/1560449128/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1560449128&pd_rd_r=XKZNM6QW1FAMRP4Z1FPM&pd_rd_w=qJgYG&pd_rd_wg=AQN7T&psc=1&refRID=XKZNM6QW1FAMRP4Z1FPM

All very cheap used.

I think you're off to a good start. I would recommend these two if you are just getting started:

Chris Townsend's Backpackers Handbook

Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpackin Book - it's easy and digestible

The answers to your questions really depend on preference. The distance of your hike will be up to you- start small, make sure you like it and don't bite off more than you should chew.

Of course pitching a tent, follow Leave No Trace principles.

Have fun!!

I've recommended this book to several beginners in the past.

Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book

It's an easy read, lots of informative drawings & pics, and it's full of helpful information.

Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book

There's a really good series of cartoon books about lightweight backpacking and mountaineering by a few guys from NOLS which really helped me adjust what I thought was "necessary".

Mountaineering

Ultralight

General Backpacking

I had a really solid mountaineer once tell me that the key to success on the mountains is camping like a champion. If you're poorly rested, poorly fed or angry with your partners because of a crappy camp setup, you're less likely to achieve your goals.

I mostly do ski mountaineering with some summer stuff thrown in for kicks (I'm in the Canadian rockies so "Summer" is relative). Typically I'll have my ski touring day pack 35L+ and my wife carries a 45L+ bag (she tends to carry but not wear more layers) on any trip where I'm based out of a base camp or hut. We'll drag our gear in on a pull sled or we'll both bring our 65 or 85L bags (depending on trip length) to camp, then ditch em.

This is what bothers me the most. Zero business camping if you can't even handle the basics.

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Mikes-Really-Cool-Backpackin/dp/1560449128/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8