This is all great information. I realize each has their own likes and things that has worked, this gives me a good starting point, and more importantly, more links to read and get advice from. I'm going to try to pack as light as possible, and understand that if for some reason I feel that a specific item is absolutely essential, I will make my efforts to bring it along regardless of the weight - however a soft "maximum" limit to know when to stop is going to help me from packing the kitchen sink. We plan on disappearing for a year or more, Likely the spare clothes are going to eat alot of our weight up. Thanks again.