Quote from SarcasmTheElf: “The National forests were open, but the facilities werent, in georgia that meant that you could pull into the parking lots but the roadside toilets were locked... ...This resulted in A-hole motorists stopping to use the toilet, finding them locked, walking into the "woods" just behind the bathroom and relieving themselves in/next to the spring that was just uphill of the road. The side trail to the water source was a freshly bloomed field of TP flowers and stupidity.” …
Ask fewer questions. That was my one sentence. Now to explain before I take some heat (which I actually don't mind). Just get out there and do it. You will learn more by doing, and making mistakes, than you will by reading. Pack what you think you will need and go out on an overnight trip. It is as simple as that. Adjust each time you come home.