Howdy All,
Just wanted to give a plug to a local camping store. If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area check out Sabo's Camping. It is a family owned store, which predominately sells campers. However they do have a pretty good selection of backpacking gear. Better still the guy that runs the backpacking department was a SOBO Thru-hiker in '99. His name is Matt by the way. He has been very helpful in my planning. So if you are in the area, check it out.