friedhamster

Any of the MSR multi-fuel stoves should suit you. The WhisperLite or Dragonfly both weigh about a pound (mius fuel) and burn most anything you put in them. It is also a good idea to carry along a repair/maintenance kit and use it a few times before you head out.

If you are going to head on a northern route, you may wish to reconsider the snow/ice gear. I lived up there for a while and you never knew when you would need it. It may be 70 degrees in the morning but by afternoon you have 6 inches of snow down. A lot of roads are not even open five months of the year because moving 16ft of snow takes a lot of equipment. Once you get out of an area you need it, mail it home.

If you are going to train, don't over do it. Go for a 2-5 hour walk five times a week with a pack filled with full water bottles. If it gets too heavy, empty some out. Once you are sure you can make the trek with a certain amount of weight, add a barbell plate in to the water bladder portion of your pack. Pay attention to your knees and stretch when possible. Stop often and adjust your shoes/socks if you feel any warm or uncomfortable spots. Always make sure your toenails are trimmed down as much as possible. The practice will toughen your feet, silk liners will help prevent blisters and trimmed nails will keep you from losing them.

Oh, and always make sure your shoes are broken in BEFORE attempting this. Anything more than a 30 minute hike in stiff new shoes is a sure fire way to wreck your feet for months. I have cut brand new shoes off some noob hiker 6hrs in to a hike more than once. Worst one lost nails on both feet and had blisters big enough that it looked like they stepped on a hot coal. Never a pretty sight.

Two things to research before you go - where post offices are and what the most popular fitness chain is on the route. The post offices will allow you to send gear home and receive fresh supplies as weather changes. The fitness centers give you somewhere you can shower, relax in a hot tub and chill while your stuff is safe in a locker. For $30 to $50 a month, it is cheaper than a motel and has way more ammenities.

24 hour, Balley's, Gold's . . . whatever is prevelant