Lot0210
Is this a troll? You can't be serious (I hope and pray) about doing this as your first backpack trip.

This is not the way to get started. Others will argue, this IS a culture of instant gratification and everyone wants to start out as an expert, BUT IT WOULD BE FAR SMARTER TO DO THIS TRIP ONLY AFTER AT LEAST A DOZEN SHORTER SHAKE OUT TRIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE FIRST.
Just my $.02 worth. A long back pack is NOT like a walk in the city park. The mere fact that you want to take a gun and a Bowie knife indicates that you are not mature enough in you backcountry skills.
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.