ok, this is the first of two open questions, I thought I would ask two good friends of mine some opinions of something they are both experienced on with the intention they could respond on their blogs.
First gonna ask my bro in law Jim, on hiking. Jim is a keen walker and lover of many things outdoors. I like camping but I have only been experienced on camping on the normal organised type affairs in places like the New Forest and Yorkshire. I have been asked by a friend to go camping (unsure whether UK or abroad yet) rucksack style (ie no proper toilets and other civilised things) and need a bit of advice.
Rather just use google and go to such and such a link for this, I wanted to ask Jim being a veteran of this genre, what is the ideal way to pack and prepare for this sort of trip.
Some of the things I need to think about is food, stuff thats good for you, tastes good and is easy to carry. I have a reasonable rucksack and lightweight tent but not much else, would need to consider other things like small first aid kit and other things, where as minimising the weight of stuff to carry.
Brit In Jerusalem 
Hi Jon, sorry for late responce but I will attempt to answer some of your questions (however I do not claim to be an expert!)…
First off, the correct bag… There are different hiking bags for different genders, they are shaped differently for different lumps and bumps. The size of the bag, bags come in different sizes measured in Litres (I guess this is linked to the potential amount of liquid the bag could hold). TRY THE BAG ON IN THE SHOP! Other things… look at the number of extra straps and hoops the bag has – useful for hanging and strapping things to.
A few years ago I would have advised Karrimoor as the best bag – Karrimoor usd to be a british firm which made rock solid bags – however I believe the company went bust and China brought them out – I can no longer vouch for their quality.
As for packing… put a bin liner inside your bag before packing to keep everything dry. Pack the heavier things closer to your hips (nearer the centre of gravity – not on top else you could topple over!). Pack first-aid kit somewhere instantly accessable.
I’ll come back with pt.2 (what to pack) soon…