Rookie just getting started

Hi all,
I am fired up about getting into backpacking. I have been doing a lot of research lately on getting the right gear together and was hoping I could get some advice from all of you.
I am 31 yr old male and live in Atlanta, Ga. So I will be doing most of my trips here in the southeast. I am interested in 1 or 2 night trips to start with. I have camped quite a bit before so I am not a total newb. Boy Scouts and the random car-camping trip here and there. I am in good shape and workout often.
I would like to purchase good quality gear but know that I will probably upgrade or find that something is not as suited for what I may need as I progress. So I don't what to get "top of the line" unless it is affordable. I don't want to go cheap but don't want to waste money either. Here are a few picks I have found.

PACK: The North Face TERRA 30
TENT: EUREKA! Spitfire
SLEEPING BAG: SlumberJack Superguide +30

Sorry if I got alittle wordy, any help is greatly appreciated.

Adam

Go Lightweight the first time.

hikelight.com is a great website. Read the articles he has written. Very insightful guy.

going lightweight it affordable as well.

What the other guy said... get the best-built & lightweight pack, tent and bag you can afford first time. Can't tell you how much money I frittered away in the first 2-3 years buying less than what I knew I wanted.

You don't have to go ultralite to have fun. Good modern midweight gear has materials that are stronger and much lighter than the gear you probably had in Scouts. IMHO, there are much lighter and better bags than the one you mentioned... check the gear reviews at backpacker dot com.

See you out there!