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For backpacking, go to a local outfitter or REI and get fitted for a pack. You don't have to buy it there (unless you want to), but you need to know what fits your torso.

Don't buy a bigger pack than you need. New people will tend to over pack if they have the extra room. I get by fine with a 3500ci pack, but that depends on your situation and weather.

It will take a few trips for you to decide what is worth carrying and what isn't. That's a personal choice.

My pack today isn't anything like it was when I first started backpacking.

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WATER and Water filter.
I prefer dehydrated food stuffs that require water to cook. They are light weight. That being said, I also bring at least ONE nights food that doesn't need water just in case. Streams dry up depending on the time of year. I also take the time to read a map before hand and map out where I can get water from so I don't run out.
Ditch the tent/sleeping pad/pillow, GET A CAMPING HAMMOCK AND A DECENT TARP (At least for solo stuff)
I like my Coleman white gas/gasoline camp stove. Yes it is heavy, but it is simple and burns everything. Plus
A metal bowl and a metal mug with a fold out handle
Grab a fork/knife/spoon out of your kitchen drawer

BREAK IN YOUR NEW HIKING BOOTS BEFORE HITTING THE TRAIL!
Some light weight shoes for when you make camp. Its nice to get your feet out of the boots for the night if at all possible.

A poncho

A SPARE COMPLETE SET OF CLOTHES. This is imperative in the winter, in which case make sure you aren't wearing any cotton.

First night out, grab a bigass raw steak out of your deep freezer and pin it to your hiking pack in a zip-lock bag. Let it thaw all day and cook that som-bitch up for dinner.

Most importantly, COFFEE.

ENJOY!

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Thanks for all the info guys! The nearest REI is in Atlanta, so I'll see if I can squeeze by one day. Do they fit the pack while you wait (wasn't sure if it was a lengthy process)? Also, for sleeping, what kind of bags and shelters are hood for the southern region? Our nights are not to bad, so figure the bag would be light duty. What are some good suppliers (brands) for these items?

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I'm no expert and not a UL backpacker, but as someone who has just gotten into backpacking over the past 2yr I can share a couple things I've learned/discovered. I'm very frugal, insist on quality but am always looking for rock bottom prices, and while I'm no UL guy I'd say I am "weight-conscious".

Places to shop:
REI (outlet & garage sales)
Steep and Cheap
Sierra trading post
Gear Trade
Left lane sports
The Clymb
Amazon

Nice products I found/Things I wish I bought:
Klymit Static V sleeping pad
GSI microdualist cookset (I always camp w/ 1-2 others)
Osprey/Gregory packs
Sawyer mini filter
Sierra Designs/Big Agnes/REI tents
lightest water resistant down bag for your climate you can afford (learn about temp ratings)
mountain house meals

My first 3 day trip, I managed to be at 32lb with food (campsite had a well). I plan to make some changes in gear and in what to bring that should let me get down below 30lb including water.

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Here's my set up from a 3 night trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in WA this year.

If you look close, you can see the water filter on the Smartwater bottle.  The only thing I plan to change out is the sleeping pad.  I'm a side sleeper and my arm kept falling asleep with the foam pad.  Going back to an inflatable, most likely a Neoair xlite.  The tarp worked great if you don't mind the occasional mouse running by your head.  Also have a tent depending on where/when I'm camping.  

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii88/inferno715/campsetup_zps6ff0c1d7.jpg

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Five years later, this is me at mile 8 of 43, with 13 pounds on my back.

Backpacking will take you awesome places!

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To start, do not attempt anything "Ultralight." The ultralight mindset is about what you can leave behind without it killing you. You don't know that, trying to go ultralight will get you killed.

Get a good pair of footwear. Start with a pair of hiking shoes. Don't go for boots, don't go for Gore-Tex, don't go for light weight trail runners. Get a pair of hiking shoes. They should cost around $100-150. Get them from a legitimate outdoor store, not Wal-Mart or Dicks. Look at Vasque and Merrel. But go with whatever fits and feels good.

Get a good pair of wool or synthetic socks with the shoe.

Then buy a backpack in the 50-65 L size. Kelty is a good brand for the price, I like the Lakota 65. If you want to spend a little more money, buy an Osprey Atmos 55, and buy it from a store where they can fit you for the pack. DO NOT BUY AN EXTERNAL FRAME PACK. They suck, and they are the devil.

Next, get a sleeping bag. It should be synthetic, and a 35 degree bag. Once again, Kelty is a good brand for the price, as is ALPS Mountaineering (The Clearwater 35 is a great starter bag)

After this, go get a lightweight stove from MSR or Snowpeak or Optimus that runs on Isobutane. Get a water filter, from either Katadyne or Sawyer and a tent from Kelty (I like the Grand Mesa 2)

Buy a Marmot Precip Jacket, and two pair of Ex Officio Give-N-Go compression shorts (You will thank me later)

Now, spend the spring reading everything you can about outdoor skills. Read the first section of Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills. Read "The Complete Walker" and ignore any gear recommendations. Focus on learning the skills and theory. Read the current edition of the BSA Handbook and the Field Guide. Learn how to purify water, leave no trace, campsite selection, layering, etc.

When the temperature is above 50 degrees in the evening, start planing short trips. Go out for two or three days. Go with friends, preferably friends who know what they are doing and are willing to teach you. Keep your trips short. When I take new people out, I aim to cover about 6 miles a day.

After every trip, look at everything you used. What worked? What didn't? What was too heavy? What did you never touch?

After spending the summer backpacking, when there's more margin for error (It's harder for heat to kill you than it is for cold), start evaluating what you like and what you don't like. Don't like the sleeping bag? Get a new one with the features you like. Start evaluating your gear based on your experience.

What I've recommended is heavier weight gear, but it gives you a solid platform to decide what you like and don't. If you decide you want to go lighter weight and farther, start looking at ultralight stuff. If you decide that you want to go in the winter, start looking at warmer clothing. It all depends on what you want to do.

Most of all, take your time, and have fun. The trail will always be there, and backpacking should be fun. If you're miserable, you don't need to be out there.

Here's me five years ago on my first ever self supported backpacking trip that I planned and brought all my own gear for:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/195878_1867673578962_125897_n.jpg?oh=84ae6f933a1a3769df1a78eb7f4b0029&oe=550D40AA&__gda__=1426484106_bcc12c4704dcd77cdf67df2802b1986e

That pack is probably 35 pounds, I'm over dressed, and have way more crap than I need, and I've just hiked 15 miles in three days, which is the farthest I'd ever hiked in my life. And I'm having a ball

Five years later, this is me at mile 8 of 43, with 13 pounds on my back.

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10696433_10202753747952213_3309137574583991532_n.jpg?oh=6b7a12d20c909b894a391e3de80da6bc&oe=550497CE

Backpacking will take you awesome places!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10731119_814635678597579_644601903415981192_n.jpg?oh=2ec2241b7d8e1ce52addc9161a5fc3b5&oe=54FBD801&__gda__=1426636604_95c397cc9424092d6d4a47977e7de140

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Pr3ach3r -

There are quite a few guys here on the forum that have years of backpacking in. If you are serious about this - do some reading first and ask informed questions....

The one big tip I can give you is 'train' before your trips. I keep in reasonable shape ->  I live on a hobby ranch with daily farm animal duties. I TRY to do a 2 mile run / walk every other day, ride my bike frequently, etc. But... I always train for every trip because the only way to get into backpacking shape is to put your boots on and carry your gear. Having a blister, sore shoulders / hips or chaffing from different clothes is a total bummer and will NOT heal on the trip. If you start off slow with training, you can be 100% pain free on the trip. You can train right in your own neighborhood or park, no need to drive somewhere. Wear the clothes you will use on the trip.

Another thing I have found to do is a constant full body 'system check' while on the trail. If you feel any weird stuff - twinge in your knee, hot spot on your foot, etc. - change what you are doing. Example: knee twinge - by slightly rotating your toes in or out while walking, I can almost always kill the pain. I guess what I'm really trying to say is switch up which muscle groups you are using as you go. BTW - fix the boot hot spot right away, It will not get better on it's own... Change the way you have your pack straps adjusted once in awhile to shift the load around, etc.

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I'm going to suggest starting on this site and find yourself a loop hike.

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Next, get a sleeping bag. It should be synthetic, and a 35 degree bag. Once again, Kelty is a good brand for the price, as is ALPS Mountaineering (The Clearwater 35 is a great starter bag)
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What I've recommended is heavier weight gear, but it gives you a solid platform to decide what you like and don't. If you decide you want to go lighter weight and farther, start looking at ultralight stuff. If you decide that you want to go in the winter, start looking at warmer clothing. It all depends on what you want to do.

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Down bags are lighter.  My down bad compresses way more than my synthetic bag, and weighs 1.5-2lbs less.  It was around $475  , vs. $200 for the synthetic bag.

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Lots of great advice.  Since you're close to Atlanta, do hit the REI.  They have stuff to fill a pack if you don't and you can get fitted and walk around the store for a while to test out.  Gregory and Osprey are two of the better brands off the shelf for comfort.

Your budget has a lot to do with pack weight, but many have mentioned a few extra pounds will save you a lot of money and you don't need to invest the higher end stuff to get started.  I much prefer dri-down for may bag due to compression and weight, however, you can save $200-300 with a very functional synthetic bag which only adds a little extra bulk and weight.  Advice about synthetic bags is good as they are more forgiving.  Down bags require a little more attention and I wouldn't recommend them until you start getting serious about doing lengthy distance hikes.

Good footwear is essential, but a very personal choice.  I'm moving more towards minimalist foot wear, but I still like some ankle support even if for psychological reasons.  I've preferred Merrell and Vivobarefoot.  Unless you're doing expedition mountaineering, don't go for the overly-built, heavy hikers.  REI will always insist the heaviest boots for "ankle support", but if you keep your pack weight reasonable and you're not hiking scree all day, you can get by with lighter-weight trail hikers.

Not sure if you've found a shelter, but they are a lot like sleeping bags.  Cheaper, functional tents can be a good budget and still provide performance but with the penalty of weight and bulk.  On the low end, I picked up a small solo tent from ALPS that was inexpensive but a very quality tent for 2-3 season use here in the SE.  I have a few higher end Tarptents that are much more compact and weigh less, but price isn't the advantage.  

Regardless of your tent choice, tent maintenance is essential...making sure your fly is water-proofed properly is a must and even a simple Tyvek footprint will extend the life of your tent floor.  I only use tents during the winter; 8-10 month out of the year, I choose a hammock...just my choice for comfort.

Clothing is a good investment and you should focus on layers.  We hike mostly in North GA and have been doing AT section hikes (currently up to the Smoky's); my wife did a 115 miles this past summer (I joined her for the last 60 miles).  I just have one set of clothes, but layers allow me to keep my "sleep" clothes clean and dry and layer according to weather or maintain thermo-regulation.  Even for short trips, I always pack at least an extra pair of wool socks to rotate and one pair dedicated to sleeping or emergencies.  Don't skimp on quality socks...these are a very good investment.

Quality synthetic hiking pants are my preference; convertibles are extra nice as I heat up on longer hikes even in 30-40 degree temps.  If weather is really going to be wet, I have some eVent rain pants, but I always pack a good rain jacket (OR Helium).  I'm another advocate of Ex Officio underwear...on the high end and for cooler weather Merino wool is another good option.  

For most ranges of temps in the SE, I wear a light weight T-shirt (either synthetic or lightweight wool).  For me, the best layering top is a synthetic button-up, long sleeve shirt.  I like Craghoppers, but they allow me to layer when it's cold or wear solo if my T-shirt is soaked.  Being synthetic helps it to dry quickly and the button front and roll-up sleeves allow me to adjust to temp changes and regulate body heat.

There are numerous mid-layers to choose from.  My primary is a Sierra-Designs dir-down jacket.  Like a down bag, it requires more care, but nothing warms you up fast than down and they are tops for weight and minimal bulk.  I prefer having a hooded option and thumb holes are excellent if you're wearing an outer shell.

My "sleep" and augmenting layering options are pretty much the same but material changes with seasons.  Outside of local summer hikes, if I'm in and around the mountains (even in the SE), I pack a lightweight wool hoodie (Icebreaker). My bottoms are either Polartec silk-weight or lightweight wool long johns.  These can be worn as a base layer and added to my hiking pants with rain shell for really cold temps.  I can also wear them solo or with the rain pants if my hiking pants get soaked during river crossing (or accidental fall in the water).  

I pack 2-3 extra pair of socks and for longer trips, I'll add an extra pair of underwear.  Those Ex Officio briefs can actually be washed and dried out quickly, but a fresh set of underwear and socks are bliss on longer hikes, even if saved for the last day.

Again, more for caution, I almost always pack a fleece watch cap and lightweight wool or synthetic glove liners.

Just some random thoughts on other gear:

I do have a more expensive Exped sleeping pad that I love, but a cheaper Z-Rest (if you don't mind attaching externally) is a good choice to get started.  I actually pack a section (six sections) of a Z-Rest folded up and against my back in my pack.  Adds enough insulation in my hammock for the summer and extra to my inflatable sleeping pad when using a tent during colder trips.

I do have a nice cuben-fiber rain cover, but highly recommend picking up a box of trash-compactor bags as pack liners.  If you're serious about hiking, you will hike in some bad weather and these are the best (and cheapest) options to keep all your critical gear dry.

Outside of extreme elevations or consistently sub-freezing temps, a simple iso-butane or alcohol stove will work and if you're meals are mostly instant, all you'll need is something simple to boil water.  Food can vary widely based on what you like, but we typically get creative for on-trail snacking or lunches and either use freeze-dried or home-made dehydrated meals for dinner.  For our longer hikes, we actually snack for breakfast and maybe make a hot drink after we'll be hiking to warm up in the morning.  I love oatmeal in the morning if we have time.  Peanut butter is a great snack along with simple flour tortillas.  Even as a self-proclaimed lightweight hiker, I also season up a large steak for the first night if we can make an open fire.  As mentioned, a good planning factor is about 1-2 pounds of food per day.

We pack our food in a dry-bag (roll top with a small d-ring; Outdoor Research or Sea-to-Summit).  Size depends on how many days we're hiking.  Add a length (50-60 feet) of spectra cord with a small rock for hanging your food/bear bag.

I have over a dozen water filters, most are Katadyn.  My wife and I both use the much more inexpensive Sawyer Mini filter as they are just very versatile.  I always add a back up (currently the Aqua Mira two-bottle solution mix for purification).  I just pack two of the 2-liter squeeze bags which can also be set up for gravity filtering.  Additionally, I carry a 1-liter Smart Water bottle; cheap and effective. I already have a small pot for boiling water if needed, so I try and keep my water kit weight down.  

A little trick with the Sawyer Mini when using the "squeeze pouches" is make a small scoop or cup to transfer water.  Many of the seasonal springs can be just a shallow puddle, so the cup aides in scooping up water and transferring into the squeeze pouch (picture is with the slightly larger/heavier Sawyer Squeeze filter):

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6316_zps7069f8a6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6316_zps7069f8a6.jpg</a>

Depending on water sources where you hike, I absolutely love Sea-to-Summit's folding bucket.  My wife and I both have the 10-liter version and just roll it up and secure it with a small ranger/rubber band.  When water sources or the springs are a quarter mile or so away, this really helps transport water.

Some people cut weight by avoiding a hydration bladder.  I actually like a hydration bladder only because it's more convenient to stay hydrated when on the move.  I've tried just water bottles, and had to stop to access and dink, both my wife an I just found it easier with the bladders and accept the 8-10 extra ounces.  I use either the 2-L or 3-L Osprey hydration bladders...I just like the design.  I know some hikers like to connect their Sawyer Mini for an in-line filter with their bladder.  I just don't like adding non-potable water to my bladders because they can be a pain to keep clean even with purified water.

Cooking kit doesn't have to be elaborate.  I just have a small pot (titanium), my favorite Spork and a Sea-to-Summit collapsible mug. If the pot has a "cup lid", it can be used for a bowl for some meals like oatmeal but most freeze dried meals can be eaten right from the bag.  I do like having a pot that I can place over an open fire or on hot coals to boil water as a backup.  I've seen some hikers have their alcohol fuel spill out inside their pack or damage the connector on their iso-butane fuel canister.  

Hiking poles are a worthy investment. I won't even day-hike without my hiking poles (Leki, Exped, Black Diamond are all solid brands).

I have a real small hygiene kit: mini bottle of Dr. Bronners soap (smaller than an eye dropper and good for 7-10 days), mini tube of toothpaste, collapsible toothbrush, small 1-ounce hand-sanitizer and a small combo of fingernail clippers and Sliver Gripper tweezers.

FAK.  First aid kit is highly dependent on the individual, but outside of specific personal needs, anything the ".5 or .7" kits by Adventure Medical, you're packing too much.  I like these as a starter and than update with what personally like.  I carry individual meds in mini-Ziploc bags (mostly Advil, Benadryl, Imodium and some antacids).  There are plenty of other posts on backpacking med-kits, but the Adventure Medical kits are good starters unless you already know what you typically use or need.

Bandanas are always a good addition.  I'm not gay, but I really like silk cowboy-bandanas; simply lightweight silk that are roughly 40" square.  They get used for everything, even a towel, washrag sweat rag, pre-filter, etc.  I recently added a wash-cloth sized pack towel...very absorbent and works great as a mini-towel and can help get condensation off your rain fly before packing

Lastly, add a small notebook and a pencil/pen.  Asses and take notes on your kit everyday and find out what really gets used or not.  Once you get serious about cutting weight, make a spreadsheet and use a postal scale to weigh everything...this is by far the most eye-opening way to cut weight and decide what is essential and what are acceptable comfort items.

My three-season base pack weight is down to 16 pounds (minus water, fuel and food).  Seasonal weights differ, even though my hammock set up is heavier than my tent, I often require more bulk/weight for insulation when I use a tent.  I typically try to maintain about 2-3 liters of water while hiking and with 7-days of food and fuel, I my pack weight is about 28-29 pounds; my goal is to keep it under 30 pounds total.  I do add some weight with my HPG Kit Bag for my "emergency kit" and pistol which adds and additional 3-4 pounds on my chest and overall carried weight.

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/IMAG0107_BURST002_COVER_zps910319bd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/IMAG0107_BURST002_COVER_zps910319bd.jpg</a>

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6201_zpsf50b1870.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6201_zpsf50b1870.jpg</a>

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6312_zpsab6554b5.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6312_zpsab6554b5.jpg</a>

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6298_zps05322e3b.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6298_zps05322e3b.jpg</a>

My cold weather bottom layers (wool long underwear, REI soft-shell convertible pants and eVent rain pants):

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6046_zpsff0e110c.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6046_zpsff0e110c.jpg</a>

My cooler weather top layers (fleece replaced by dri-down, hooded jacket) and for colder temps, I'll take my soft shell jacket (ECWCS gen3):

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ROCK-6/media/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6050_zpsc5bb8e76.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Backpacking%20Gear/DSCF6050_zpsc5bb8e76.jpg</a>

Hope that helps...

ROCK6