Thank you for all the useful info everyone
@ ninthace
I shall be trying to make everything paperless before I go, then setting up a mail redirect to a family member for bits I miss or which cant be emailed. I'm also toying with the idea of having a winter and a summer season load, where I leave the unneeded(sp?) stuff in my storage or with family.
@ Owen and Percy
Thanks for the formula. I knew there was one but couldn't remember it.
@ mananddog and RogerA
"The questions should not be what is the maximum but what is the minimum I can carry and still be comfortable"
"I think I'd see the 20% bodyweight as an absolute maximum and certainly not an aim."
Absolutely. I was just concerned that I could feel comfortable carrying a load that was heavier than would be safe long term. In my experience of injuries they tend to be of the drip drip of body "abuse" before they manifest in pain. I want to avoid accidentally causing an overuse injury.
@ Slogger
You mean I can't take my soft toy tucan!? But I may "need" it
@ gunwharfman
I think it would be very easy to take too much but am aiming for what you do with the wear one/wash one system. My underwear is very quick drying so can't see a problem, although not sure about drying them on the outside of my rucksack whilst walking down the promenade of a nice coastal town.
My Paramo smock is brilliant when it's wet and cool-cold but no good for summer showers, so I'm looking at something like a poncho too. Also considering dusting off my camel back water bladder rather than use water bottles, so will trial that over the summer.
@ scottk
The plan is to start late September in Southampton (or close to). I have a provisional kit list but keep telling myself to concentrate on my last piece of uni work until I'm free of all that in 5 weeks. Then I will get everything out and see what a big pile it is!
@ Stube
At the risk of starting a boots Vs shoes debate, I walk in Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX trail running shoes and my normal running shoes, both of which I know I can easily replace online without having to go through the worry of "breaking in" boots (been there...my last pair were fine for the first few miles then rubbed me raw as well as digging into my ankles!)
I envy the charity shops you must've found decent walking kit because none of the places I've frequented have anything that I'd wear, so unfortunately buying cheap along the way isn't something I could rely on. I tend to get my stuff second hand on ebay, which I could still do with some planning I suppose.
RE deep pockets, the plan is to use B&Bs as little as possible to keep costs down. To give a clearer idea, my plan is to walk from lifeboat station to lifeboat station, raising funds for the RNLI and Association of Lowland Search and Rescue. I'm hoping to scrounge a spare bed/sofa as often as possible to keep costs down, although I appreciate I can't rely on that happening. Similarly with food.