RebeccaC yes, I too enjoy a more supple tire. Many tires for many uses For me, the rider of a touring bike and a 29+ for dirt - I look at thread count & tread pattern for starters. I also have folding tires (higher TPI) My very, very favorite tire EVER was the set I had on my 650B Rivendel - the Hetre from Compass (Jan's company) The downside was they too, were not at all puncture resistant. I had lightweight tire liners from spinskin in them but spinskin is no longer, they still rolled like no tomorrow and the flat issue went away. I suppose if I were riding through South America I'd look at the Marathon Tour or the Plus Tour and if I were a racer I'd go for something different. the DH loves his Panaracer T-Serv's for distance riding and rarely has had a flat.
Speaking of width and cantilever brakes - I had to let air out of my tire to take the Hetre's off of my Rivendel but it was worth it.
Cyclesome - we will all enjoy hearing about your trip. I know I live vicariously by reading about everyone's adventures.