I am in the planning and logistics stage for a Through hike on 2010 and am looking for some assistance and looking for a female partner . I have been hiking for decades, but never attempted a hike like this before due to working. Now that I am retired I felt it is a good time.

One thing i am not sure of is what the longest number of days i will go without resupply for food. would it be 5 days or longer? I know that i will be going through various weather changes and am planning equipment change drops at certain points in the trip such as changing weight of cloths, sleeping bags, boot changouts, etc., but the biggest issue is my pack, internal or external. I have hiked with both and am in a quandary as to which one and size. The other one is which stove. I have a pocket rocket and a whisper lite. I am not sure about the availability of fuel availability, disposable of spent cartridges if taking the pocket rocket, and weight concerns. Any comments and assistance i receive will be most helpful.
As far as experience hiking is concerned, I have done mostly trips two weeks or less, but have hiked all over the world. Spending 15 years in the Navy helped me on that point. my favorite place to hike i must say is the AT through my area of PA. I regulary do hikes from Buttermilk falls, NJ to route 64 in PA. I also hike Hickory Run state park alot and out around Center County, PA.