Props to you for getting out on the trail. I'm sure the walks will do you a lot of good in the long run. You're easing into it at a pace that suits you, and that's definitely the best way to roll.
Regarding resources to check out and books to read --
I'd suggest browsing the following websites for up to date info on ultralight backpacking and hiking techniques:
-
http://www.cleverhiker.com-
http://www.sectionhiker.com-
http://www.hikelighter.com-
http://www.backpackinglight.com-
http://www.andrewskurka.com-
http://www.sticksblog.com-
http://www.briangreen.net-
http://www.adventurealan.com-
http://www.pmags.comPlus the super useful
https://lighterpack.com or
https://www.geargrams.com -- where you can input all your gear (and weigh it all, of course), and thus see where weight can be saved/upgrades made/items to get rid of or replace with multi-purpose ones etc etc. An Excel spreadsheet is also reasonable too. I think this step is really the key to getting your pack weight down initially.
Check out the following books as well:
Ultralight Backpacking Tips by Mike Clelland >
http://amzn.com/0762763841The Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka >
http://amzn.com/1426209207The Backpacker's Handbook by Chris Townsend >
http://amzn.com/007175489XTrail Life by Ray Jardine >
http://amzn.com/0963235974(physical books may be cheaper to purchase @
https://www.bookdepository.com)
Regarding equipment, along with the above suggestions (which will point to you to endless gear), further searching on this subforum is definitely a worthwhile place to spend some time learning about different gear options and hiking techniques suitable for you. If money is no object, I'd opt for cuben material (aka Dyneema Composite Fabric) where ever you can as that is the lightest option for shelters, stuff sacks, backpacks, etc. It does come at a high expense but given your situation, I'd say it'd be worth it for sure. It has various other benefits too.
The tarptent is a good call, though lighter options are available. Probably the absolute lightest shelter manufacturer about right now is
http://www.zpacks.com so I'd suggest browsing their site thoroughly (they also offer ultralight backpacks, accessories, clothing, etc and have some great gear lists to view from various long distance hikes they have undertaken).
The Thermarest XLite is a good choice regarding UL sleeping pads. I have a 3/4 length one (230 grams) and it is comfortable. Another company to check out would be Klymit, who also offer affordable and fairly lightweight pads. I have their Insulated Static V Lite (555 grams or so --
http://www.klymit.com/index.php/insulat ... -lite.html), which is insanely comfortable but does come in at more than twice the weight of my 3/4 Neoair Xlite, their non insulated version weighs less. Another way to go entirely would be hammock camping if plausible. This could prove beneficial for recovery given your past injuries - though I may be totally wrong with that statement. If this sounds of interest, check out Tasmania based Tier Gear (
http://www.tiergear.com.au) - I have a custom lightweight hammock w/ integrated bugnet (373 grams) from Simon (the owner) and it's truly fantastic. No matter what, I always sleep better in my hammock than on the ground. Typically hammock camping comes in at a weight penalty, but SUL and UL weights are totally possible. Here's an example hammock gear list Alan Dixon of Backpacking Light Magazine posted on his site -
http://www.adventurealan.com/practical- ... ian-trail/If hammock camping is a potential option for you then check out the book 'The Ultimate Hang' by Derek Hansen >
http://amzn.com/1466263687See his website too:
http://www.theultimatehang.com/And check out youtube user Shug for some informative (and entertaining) videos on hammocking:
https://www.youtube.com/user/shugemeryInstead of a traditional sleeping bag I would opt for a quilt instead. These come in at a significantly lighter weight and I find them way more snug and comfortable than a sleeping bag, just as warm too. Enlightened Equipment (
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/) offer very lightweight options, as do ZPacks (
http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml - kind of a hybrid sleeping bag/quilt). Simon @ Tier Gear also makes synthetic top quilts. See this thread too if quilts take your fancy, a member here is custom making down quilts >
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=21674Quilts are best used w/ a balaclava, beanie or something of the like if you expect cold temperatures/excessive winds.
I concur with the above folk too - Hiking poles are soooooo good! Black Diamond make some nice ones available here in Aus (wildearth.com for example). I have the BD Trail Ergo Cork's and they're going strong after 1400-1500kms.
Lighter weight options are the Fizan Compact Poles (available on massdrop right now for cheap:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fizan-compact-poles), Locus Gear CP3's (
http://www.locusgear.com/items/cp3/?lang=en) or Gossamer Gear's LT4's (
http://gossamergear.com/lt4-trekking-poles-all.html)
Despite all my rambling about gear I do agree with davidf - keeping your pack light doesn't have to come at drastic expenses and it is definitely as much about your approach and mindset as it is about gear. It can be done on the cheap, but then come issues of quality and durability. After considerable $$$ wasted as a truly frugal beginner, I now realise that buying quality gear once is better than investing once, twice or thrice in a similar item later down the line. I suppose it depends how committed and able you'll be in the long run - on the flip side most UL gear options typically have a great resale value whereas your budget options do not, and not to mention they also rarely generate interest if trying to sell.
A quick note about food: try aim for 502kilojules / 120 calories per 28 grams / 1 ounce. The more calorie dense the food is the better, as you can get away with bringing much less food than usual. Good nutrition can also aid recovery mid and post hike too. Another quick note about water: an electrolyte powder or tabs are useful, something like staminade is a great move as it contains magnesium (of which aids and relaxes ones muscle functions etc).
Hope this helps somewhat! Apologies if it's overwhelming or too long winded
Feel free to message me anytime too if you'd like to talk further.