Gear!

Over the course of the year we have been shopping sales, trying on shoes and putting together our walking kit. Its a work in progress but if I had to put a number on it I would say we are 85% there!

There are great places to save on these items such as Sports Authority, Sierra Trading Post, Altrec, GearX and Mountain Gear as well as REI to name just a few.
In reading about the trip the general consensus seems to be that less is more. Light is important. If you forget it you can find it there. If you can't find it then improvise.

Having done a couple such trips- obviously shorter- we can at least visualize how a day might look then extend that to weather from spring to late summer over a large geography. Last summer I put in a weather search for places and checked them on the corresponding days we anticipate being there. So we have a reasonable idea of the conditions we might encounter.

A layered  approach is the way to go and have what you need. Also the key is ultra quick drying fabrics so that you can hand wash an underwear base layer every night. Once a week on a layover day you properly launder everything. This is the concept you plan around.

For the underwear base layer, Ex Officio is hands down the best. 2 pair for the whole trip should do it. It sink washes and dries overnight or less. Amazing stuff, and it probably sounds weird to get a little excited about underwear but a daily clean pair on a big walk is one of life's simple pleasures.

The key to quick drying is avoiding cotton - period. If its wet its cold and takes forever to dry. A cotton t -shirt for sleeping is fine. Otherwise there are amazing synthetics by companies like Mountain Hardwear and Rohan which use engineered materials which just shed moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. All a plus day after day. The Rohan stuff is spendy but is bombproof and has some European styling.
For pants a pair of zip offs is great along with some light shorts/swim suit. A nicer pair for dining is good too. In Europe even walkers somehow appear well dressed? So its not a good idea to appear totally feral!
Mountain Hardwear makes great pants and Rei has a serviceable pair which look great too.

You need quality rain gear - but a umbrella complements this! In searching for the "right" umbrella I found this: http://www.euroschirm.com/usa
Look at video clip at the "Birdepal" model and marvel at German engineering! Unbelievable!

For packs we enjoy Granite Gear. They are great - light, comfortable with fantastic waist belts, well made and roomy. Perfect for what we plan to do.

Boots - the key is to be sure they fit and you have used them! it seems obvious but we tried on and returned quite a few pairs courtesy of Zappos great exchange policy. I settled on Asics Trail Sensors for a light pair. ( the lightest most comfortable shoe I have ever worn ) Also a pair of mid cut Merrill boots as a light but sturdy supportive trail boot has been my choice for years. For what its worth I love Kayland Contact boots for rugged backpacking - which this trip isn't! Tammy tried many pairs but found a pair of Montrails which don't give her blisters. That is a big deal!