jjwillie,
I can only give my 2pesos .........But...If you could get a better rated sleeping bag.I think it would be to your advantage. If not......... pick up one of those thin fleece throws and pack it in with you .they are very light and comfortable.WATER???? I would NOT pack water. If you can ..............Buy a water filter pump.Bring a squashed plastic jug ..unsquash it and fill it with water . Also pick up a filtering water bottle.......... you should still be able to find a good un frozen water source in mid Oct. Remember EVERYTHING!!!! you pack in MUST be packed out. If you have Goretex lined boots you will only need one pair . As for the dehydrated food .I use it all the time. Try to get the ones that have beans and meat or veggies.These are complex carbs and protiens and they will help keep you going without just burning calories. Also peanuts peanut butter ,GORP and protien bars or powdered protien shakes (in a warm mug of water) Will keep Your muscles happy. Remember complex carbs (beans,peanuts apples) and protiens will better help tosustain your energy andfatigue your muscles less thruoghout the day.
I personally do not use a fire on my backpack trips.I am there to be as steathly as I can. If I hunt all day I usually am too tired to worry about a fire at night.
P.S I would recommend a good single malt in a flask. You won't worry about going to sleep.But don't over do it!!!! (Piss clear or your not hydrated enough)!!!!!!!
GLOB!!