One more vote for the Sella Anatomica with a slot.  Its amazing.  I haven't gotten the chance to do more than a 4 day tour on it yet, but that was 50-70 miles a day and I did it all in synthetic boxers and a synthetic pair of hiking shorts thanks to my saddle.  No chafe, no discomfort at all.  Perfect.

With any luck I get to find myself in a place that would cause me to have a bloody long walk home.  I cannot wait to get really "out there."  Thanks again for the advice.  I will pose some pics once the set up is complete.

Well, you may have just made the decision for me.  I like all my skin and teeth remaining in one place, and I am no where near as fastidious as you when it comes to checking parts for wear.  It should work forever!  HAHA 

I would still love to hear from anyone else and find out I am wrong to worry about carbon or whatever.  Anybody?

what sort of load do you plan on carrying on your front end?  How do you plan on carrying it (rack? Revelate system?)?  What are the capabilities of the forks you are looking at?

Lighter stuff up front, things like sleeping system and small bits in a revelate style bag.  I may try to make my own system or just us a dry bag strapped to the front for the time being.  Definitely no racks.  If by capabilities you mean what I absolutely need the fork to do then:
1. fit 26" wheels
2. take v-brakes
3. be lighter than a 2001 Mars CL (1260 grams) and more precisely steering (its like a wet noodle and I don't weigh much at all!)
4. take a wide tire

Also, boddunn, its good to hear that you like your P2.  I am leaning towards the steal because I worry about investing in a "breakable" part like a carbon fork.  I have never owned carbon anything for any kind of bike and I am a bit nervous about starting there, but I also want it lightweight and I may be getting a pretty sweet deal on it. 

Thanks again all! 

Anybody else?  Since posting I have narrowed my selections down to either the PRO fork or a Kona P2 steel fork.  Any experience out there with the P2 if no the PRO?

Any opinions out there regarding the use of this fork for bikepacking?  Or any carbon rigid as compared to a steel rigid?  Any favorite rigid forks to recommend?  Thanks!