Re: Day hiker interested in camping, where to start?

It really helps to have a store you can visit in person, get to know the clerks and maybe the owner/manager, ask questions, find what you need there and talk about it. Online research of products is also good.

Another suggestion: Once you have a bag/pad combo, bedroll outside in the yard or on the deck and get used to the feel of sleeping on a ground pad. Eventually when you get your shelter systems figured out(tent/hammock/tarp), set it up in the yard and have at it.