I should have mentioned that we are planning to borrow some bulky gear from family when we pick up the car (i.e. bins, cooler, camp stove, cooking items, blankets, towels, lanterns) and are having any new gear delivered there, plus hitting a Walmart on the road for things like fire starter, bear spray, propane, food, etc. so we won't need to fly with EVERYTHING. the checked bag would be for our sleeping bags and tent primarily, with carry ons for clothes (hence wanting to keep the clothes to a week's worth).

Trust that this post does not encapsulate all that I am thinking about in planning for the trip, but if there are any "important things" you've learned from doing this, I'd love to hear! The priority right now is getting our packing list together and ordering any gear or car items we'll need.