Backpacking gear is definately the way to go. Sierra, Mountain Research and some of the higher end Eureka's are worth their light weight and small pack size. I had an old Eureka Timberline tent which saved me from getting wet in a very heavy storm which left the tent in a puddle of water two inches deep. Since it had a "bathtub" bottom, none of it got inside!
Whatever kind of tent you go with, be sure to properly seam seal it before you take it out on your first trip. Nothing will spoil your night more than a wet tent. I'd also recommend a tent with a seperate rain fly. Manufacturers will put very large mesh screens on tents like this which help the tent to breath, while keeping you dry. In warm weather with no sign of rain, a mesh ceiling will allow you to enjoy the stars while avoiding the insects. Aluminum poles are better in the long run than carbon, as they are less likely to break. Get a matching tarp as well, the same size or a little smaller than the tent floor, as this will prolong tent life. If you get a larger tarp fold it under the tent so that none of the tarp sticks out, as this will channel water under you if it rains. Vestibules on the rain fly are handy for gear storage and if there is an option for an annex, get it, it will allow you to cook without getting wet.
As for a sleeping pad, I'd personally get a self-inflating foam pad from Therm-A-Rest, and get the thickest one they make. Air matresses are nice, but unless they're the king size variety like WarBirdBob's, they won't insulate you from the ground if it's cold.
Sleeping bags are such a subjective topic, I don't have any advice for you there other than get a bag which fits you, and that fiber-fill will keep you warm if it gets wet, where down will not. If you are travelling two-up, you might consider getting the same rectangular bag for each of you so that you can zip them together.
You might notice that I'm mentioning water quite a bit...plan on it. Plan for heavy rain and when it comes you can be warm and comfortable and best of all, happy.
