Advice for long bike tours...?

For that long of a tour, you really do not need toooo much gear. A backpack really is not desirable. It will be bersome and not to mention hot. Rear paniers are the first choice. Get a nice set of bags to fit over a rear rack. You can bungee your tent to the top. If you need more room, I would suggest front paniers mounted on a low rider rack. Blackburn makes the best racks in my opinion.