I've got plans to do the Tahoe Rim Trail next year--a 165 mile long hike on the skirts of Lake Tahoe--likely something in July or August. It will be my first ever long distance backpacking trip ever. In this next year, my goal is to increase my pacing to around 15-20 miles a day so I can complete the journey within 9-11 days, and refining my pack to allow maximum livability for minimal weight.

I've done many shorter 3 day /out/tings, but never one this long. Those of you who have traveled a similar, or greater distance... what do you advise for a first timer like myself?

Also, let's make this a general long distance backpacking thread. I'm sure some of you have similar trips coming up. I'm like to hear how you're paring, where you're going, and what you expect.