I will also more than likely be picking up a tac vest; first hand experience tells me those vests are very convenient for keeping multi-tools, knives, first aid kits and other doo-dads for quick access.

You have a good plan going and have received a lot of good advice. After your shake down hike, you will probably loose the vest and all the multi-tools etc that you really won't need. I find that if you know your gear well and have prepaired well. You will only need a knife most of the time.
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Enjoy your next trip...