[pct-l] Testing the waters

[glen winters]

I'm 45 yers old with back problems, looking for some gear sugestions for thru hiking in 07. Critical to my success will be weight, I used to hike in the late 70's with 50 to 60 lbs which is no longer an option, I've done a few short hikes at 20 to 25 lbs with my 1970's gear and I believe staying under 30 including food would make this trip possible.  A couple of key points I need a good soft pad so I can move in the mornings, willing to carry abit extra for good pad and definitly need the weight from pack on waist not shoulders or back.

If some of you experienced peeps could give a few sugestions it would be appreciated.

Is a self inflating pad the way to go or is foam still a good option?
(Looks to me like I can carry almost 2 foam pads for the weight of one self inflating maybe have to test a few permutations)

I'm guessing for pack comfort I can’t use the ultralight packs? So 3.5 lb internal frames?
(Not going to even consider my old external frame 7 lb pack besides a couple of the zippers aren’t working. LOL)
 
I'm not using trekking poles so a good light easy (quick) to set up tent (tarp tent) with poles?
(Did I mention I'm 6'4" 200lbs. so it definitely needs to be roomy)
 
Ok I'm an old time backpacker my clothes have always been cotton (blue jeans and tees with plastic raingear and a down jacket) Can someone give me a suggested clothing list? don’t care to hike in shorts I burn to easy, and yes I spent many cold wet nights when then jeans didn’t dry by nightfall.
 
I hope this works out but I'm planning on waiting out the snow melt after arriving at KM, hopefully melts early this year I don’t want to carry an ice ax and I'm hoping to not use boots just hiking shoes. Going to try to make it too the kickoff but if not I'll be a week or two behind. Probably be needing a new trail name Bean stalk just doesn’t seem to fit anymore maybe when I was 6'4" 140 lbs it worked. Are most of u through hikers really carrying guide books? I'm used to just a topo and compass.
 
I'm thinking a solution to the bear can is a .44 cal then we can just have bear steak, the gun is just a bit heavier then the bear can and we could carry less food. You think the forest service would buy into this?