In backpacking terms, the big three represent the largest and heaviest items and are really required equipment. These include your shelter, sleeping system and backpack. People spend a lot of time and money working to get these things as light as possible. In the last 20 years since I did any real backcountry traveling, these things have gotten amazingly light!
Backpack
I ended up getting the REI Flash 55. Compared to other packs of this size, this was the most comfortable. It has similar volume and weight capacities as other brands. It also has a water-resistant shell, hip-belt pockets and one shoulder strap pocket. Did I mention it was comfortable? I have to say, no matter what you get, any modern backpack is a huge step above what was available 20 years ago. The one caveat to that is that these packs are light due to the materials they employ. They’re thinner, lighter and not as tolerant of abuse. So don’t go treating your pack like a trash bag going into the bin. Don’t go thrashing through brambles. And never drag it around.
Tent
Early in my dreams of doing this “thing” my wife bought me a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2. My god, these tents are light! Again, like the backpacks, the materials used are thinner and not as durable, so some care must be used when handling. Who cares!? I wanted a “2-person” because I wanted extra space for me and my gear. If I’m going to be living in this thing for up to 6-months, I was space. This tent provides full protection from wind, rain and bugs compared to lighter options like tarps, albeit at a weight penalty. Tarps usually don’t have a floor or bug protection and utilize your hiking poles as the supports and are thus much lighter. This particular tent has the disadvantage of using a front entry, so when you’re 6′-1″ tall, getting in and out is a shall I say, a process. It’s not super tall, either, making entry and egress a hands-and-knees affair through the vestibule. Planning and placement of your gear is essential. And if it’s raining, water will enter your tent while you’re getting in/out.
Sleeping System
My sleeping bag is one of the oldest pieces of gear I’m using. It’s an older REI down bag, a 30F Sahara. I recently washed and refluffed it to bring bag it’s loft and warmth. This thing feels like home!
I went all-out on my pad. For years I’ve used lightweight (20-years ago lightweight….) inflatables and have never been happy. I have a Z-rest that is bullet proof, but again I didn’t sleep well. Come to find out, side-sleepers need a bit more padding for hips and shoulders. In doing my research (and of course just letting time and technology advance), the newer pads are amazing. I bought a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm. It’s a manual inflatting pad, roughly 2-inches thick, and incorporates insulation to help keep you warm. Who would’ve thought you could get a decent night’s sleep? The insulation comes at a weight penalty, however. It’s one of those things I’m choosing to accept.