Replying to Anyone into backpacking/camping?

Not sure how many of you are into backpacking, but I've been planning on doing it a lot in the spring around Colorado National Park for rock climbing and Vail. I plan on buying all the gear I'm going to need over Christmas break when stuff is cheap the thing is I don't really know what to get. There's so much shit I'm not sure whats actually useful and what just seems cool. Also any help on what backpack to get would be great.