So I'm going to begin my Thru-Hike in Maine shortly. I'm not new to the woods but this is the first time that I have ever attempted something of this magnitude. I'm super excited. If any of you have any pointers or anything that you think I should know I'm all ears. Below are some of questions that I have...

How much food should I bring for the 10 day wilderness?

The books I have been reading told me to figure about 2 pounds a day.

Should I just skip the bear mace?

Every bear I have seen out in the woods has taken right off.

Hatchet or No Hatchet?

Exactly how much clothes should I bring?

I am planning on bringing...

x2 Nike Breathe Hyper Dri T-Shirt
x2 Marmot Long Sleeve T-Shirts
x2 Royal Robins Zip-N-Go Pants
x1 Mountain Hardware Strecker Lite Jacket
x1 Marmot Ramble Component 3-in-1 Jacket
x4 Wool Socks
x2 Sock Silk Liner
x1 Crocs (Camp Shoes)
x1 Camp Shorts
x2 Fleece Lined Long Underwear
x2 Nike Compressions Shorts

Are the black flies as bad as the say?

Any suggested Foods?

I have a pretty good idea of what I'm bringing but 6 months is a long time and eating the same food will get old after a while.