New guy with questions

My fiance and I are really wanting to start hiking/camping. After visiting a couple of local outfitters and talking with people we've got a rough, er..very rough, idea of what we need. Obviously, pack, sleeping bag, tent to get the major stuff going and build from there. We both really liked the Osprey Atmos packs. One store recommended the 35L while another store recommended the 65L, or even stepping up to more. I was thinking the 50L or 65L. I also really like the look and layout of the Gregory Z55, but have no way to see it in person as no local shops carry Gregory. Thoughts?
As far as tents go, we both also liked the MSR Hubba Hubba. After looking at reviews on this site, I'm having second thoughts. Any other tents you would recommend in the same price range/size category? Would really like to have dual entry.
Sleeping bags we haven't really looked into, but both stores we went to agreed on a high quality down bag. Made sense to us, but more advice never hurts. Any ideas on bags. I'm 5'11" and the fiance is 5'3".
All of this gear will be used in Arkansas and surrounding states most likely for 3 seasons. The longest we plan to stay out would be 3 days at the max, but mostly weekend trips.
Thanks in advance!

Kris
"new guy"

Even with the details you've given, it's hard to make any firm recommendations. The right pack size depends on what you put in it, not the other way around, but for a weekend trip, for most people, 50-60 liters would be fine-that is more or less 3000-3600 cubic inches.

Osprey makes good packs, so does Gregory. The Z pack is well-recommended. I would also look at Granite Gear packs. I have looked them over in stores and they fit me. My personal pack is a Kelty that is no longer made, so I am no real help there.

As far as a bag, depending on your budget, you may not want or need a down bag. The synthetic bags are generally much cheaper. If weight is a big factor, then down is the way to go. You get cheap or light; not both. I have one of each-an old synthetic bag and a newer down bag.

The trend in gear is to go as light as possible and there is a lot of specialized gear that weighs a fraction of what is considered mainstream. Much of it tends to be costly and fragile compared to heavier gear, but much of it is also made by small companies who put a lot of thought into what they make.

There are a lot of tents that would work fine for you. Few stores will have a huge selection, not even REI; there are just too many. Smaller companies like Big Agnes and Henry Shires' Tarptent make popular, lightweight, shelters. I haven't heard any real complaints about the Hubba Hubba and MSR has very good customer support-this I do know first hand-I have one of their stoves.

If you even think you are going to be out in the rain, I would look for a tent with a vestibule, but I know people who just use tarps and think they are great. I've been in some fairly heavy rain in the past and wished my tent had a vestibule. I have a winter tent with one, but you don't need a winter tent. Two doors are nice, but more of a luxury depending on the design.

If you buy online, I suggest a company like REI-they will take back almost anything for any reason, no questions asked, full refund. If you have to mail order, they are my first choice.