This thread is amazing - I think people are rising to the small challenge against your more significant one. I am nowhere near as detailed as the others (sorry, time is against me), but I would say shop around.
Rab down bags are lovely but expensive, I use
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20049
Which is green (and attracts fewer bugs than bright ones I'm sure), but it opens out completely, so if you are very warm you have a sheet or blanket.
I have a thermarest, I put up with the price and the rest because my word they are good - most decent outdoor shops will let you have a go, tell them what you are doing and they may offer a discount, small independants probably will.
Bivvy bags and a tarp are a lovely way to camp, I think the best, I now only use tents to contain my children.
A headtorch - brilliant for calls of nature in the dark, esp when you drop the paper and it rolls away.....small LED ones are tiny and you may not need two sets of batteries.
I know people like bombproof water bottles, but I have a Camelbak thermobak
(insulated) which I use for the cold, they are supposed to be brilliant in Iraq for keeping it cool. If you are working hard - carrying/pulling that weight you will need lots of water - especially after local French hospitality - which brings me to my next point - a broad hat and DARK sunglasses, red wine hangovers are wicked.
I wish you all the best, I look forward to seeing your pictures as and when. I have a contact inside Rab HQ, so that sleeping bag may not be as expensive as you first think - if I can help I will.
Rab down bags are lovely but expensive, I use
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20049
Which is green (and attracts fewer bugs than bright ones I'm sure), but it opens out completely, so if you are very warm you have a sheet or blanket.
I have a thermarest, I put up with the price and the rest because my word they are good - most decent outdoor shops will let you have a go, tell them what you are doing and they may offer a discount, small independants probably will.
Bivvy bags and a tarp are a lovely way to camp, I think the best, I now only use tents to contain my children.
A headtorch - brilliant for calls of nature in the dark, esp when you drop the paper and it rolls away.....small LED ones are tiny and you may not need two sets of batteries.
I know people like bombproof water bottles, but I have a Camelbak thermobak
(insulated) which I use for the cold, they are supposed to be brilliant in Iraq for keeping it cool. If you are working hard - carrying/pulling that weight you will need lots of water - especially after local French hospitality - which brings me to my next point - a broad hat and DARK sunglasses, red wine hangovers are wicked.
I wish you all the best, I look forward to seeing your pictures as and when. I have a contact inside Rab HQ, so that sleeping bag may not be as expensive as you first think - if I can help I will.