Make sure you get a good pack that fits you. I just got an Eberlestock J107, they make a GREAT pack. They close up for a day pack, but expand out to a hauler if you get lucky.
Just listing out the gear for a trip is pages to get into. Get quality stuff and cry at your credit card bill and not when you are back in the wilderness with crap and your life depends on said crap. Stay light. No cotton.
When you think you are in good enough shape, you're halfway there.