Marc, I am curious... how much will your pack weigh? Have you tried jogging with the pack loaded like you will take?
I am a jogger, and find that even one or two pounds causes my breathing and heart rate to skyrocket. So I am wondering how you will be able.
Regarding stream crossings: I got an 8-ounce pair of knockoff gardening clogs from Target several years ago. They work great for the water crossings. These are from the Crocs website:
