some suggestions from experience

painners, i really like mine that i got at REI they are the waterproof ones, almost like rubber a little heavy but so nice not having to worry about using ziplocks bags for everything inside, when it rains (and it sounds like it will a lot) it will be nice to just keep on going instead of having to stop and make some adjustments to your packing. this was very nice and convientient.
however if it is really humid they aren't the best things get a little nasty and moldy if your not careful, shouldn't have that problem in the northwest.

camping, don't bring "a whole bunch of stuff" look into ultralight backpacking and then use that same idea for ultralight touring. i was out for a month and had two panniers, wouldn't up the amount for a year or even longer. then again im a ultralight kind of person

rain gear... i never used my pants, then bothered me, so after 5 minutes they were back in the pack,
lights, i try to have found my camp spot right before dusk, that way i didn't have to depend on a really strong light. cat eye.... something they are all pretty good.

DON'T FORGET A MIRROR, I LOVE HAVING ONE, MY FRIEND DIDN'T WANT ONE BUT THE FIRST BIKE SHOP WE FOUND(300 MILES INTO THE RIDE)SURE ENOUGH SHE BOUGHT ONE.
good luck and let us know how it goes.