[pct-l] PCT sleeping system

[patrick griffith]

Hi All,
My planning for 2013 is coming along nicely, next up : equipment.
My main decision to make is what sort of sleeping system should i go for? If possible i'd like to avoid a tent, on weight and cost grounds. I think a bivy bag and poncho combination will be sufficient for me, but i'd like   to know what you all think.
The other question i have is : what rucksack to go for?, my own rucksack has served me well over the years but it is very old and worn out, and probably isn't big enough and so a new purchase is on the cards, so your thoughts on options would be most appreciated. I've heard a lot about Osprey, ULA and Golite, but want as much information as possible before buying one!
Thanks in advance for all the help!
Patrick