Should i get a backpack or just carry my things around in old sack?
Well yes unless you have a back problem. The idea is to carry all your things easily and efficiently using the magic your very own back. It is much better than dragging your things behind you in a trolley or hockey bag. Your backpack must be worn properly though.
What kind of backpack to get?
If you want a water proof you can get the incredible ARCTERYX but there are many other cheaper options around $100. You can go to some stores and try backpacks on then check ebay for the prices. Also Mountain Co-op has a few good ones.
What size?
Usually there are small, medium and large sizes of backpacks, for small, medium, and large people! Check for some deals and then check with a local store and try the actual product before bidding.
I recommend that you take as big as possible 60-80 liters+. If you have less stuff you can always shorten the pack down to 40l.
Keep in mind how much the actual pack weights can make a difference. These days you can get 2.5 kg pack that are 90 liters. While the Arcteryx is more than twice the weight.
A good idea is to try the pack out before or from a shop that will let you return it.
How should i pack all this stuff?
Heavy items such as laptop, camera, batteries etc should be packed close to the small of your back (as shown by the red bubbles.)
A sleeping bag usually fits in the bottom compartment. and other sleeping items, a fleece jacket can be stored here too. I like a pack with two side pockets that are big enough for a one shoe or sandal each.
Most airlines limited to 30kg's, which is getting heavy enough anyways for a backpack. 22kg is about max for a backpack.
How about a backpack ProTector?
You don't need to spend money on a nylon or synthetic cover, they're not water proof anyways. An easy way to protector your backpack is with a large plastic bag. There are light weight, water proof, disposable and of course cheap. Take 1-2 bags with you and use it before check your luggae on the plane. Also if you take a bus they will put your rucksack on the roof and if it rains... You need a extra large size such as: 
Do i need a sleeping bag?
Yes. As a budget travel i wouldn't be caught dead without a sleeping bag. North India and the mountains definitely become cold at night and it is wise to carry a sleeping bag. Even Goa and various mountain location become cold in the winter months
A sleeping bag is also useful to cover the mattress to ward of bad odors.
What kind to get?
Soft down is warm, comfortable and light weight. It also has luxurious feel. Some prefer synthetic because it easier to wash. But synthetic is not that warm and heavier. Something rated about 2' degrees Celsius (a 3 season bag) should be fine. Also one that open flat so you can lay on it I recommend rather than a mummie style.
Planning lots of mountains? better get a warm down one. Guest house don't have insulation or heating.
You should bring some liquid laundry detergent with you, and plan to wash your sleeping bag once per month or so.
Fleece liners
Fleece liners are handy because together with a sleeping bag it will be really warm. Or you can just use the fleece in warmer conditions. Or you can use it as mattress liner etc. A fleece liner is easy to wash and light weight.
You can also have a cotton sleeping bag cover made in India, with little buttons that attach to the inside of your sleeping bag. This way you can wash the slip cover rather than the whole sleeping bag.
Another option is a vinyl or MSM anti-allergy sheet to place over the mattress and protect you and your bedding.
Mosquito net
You want a light weight net with dense mesh. They are cheap in Thailand around 150Rs but do not seem to be avalible in India. So if your not stopping in Thailand you should look around maybe ebay for one like this. A single is best, if your a couple still singles might be the better choice than a double. Often the beds are seperate in India. The type with four corners not the top hanging one (fan is there)
Also get some permethim to treat the net or use this natural alternative to chemicals. See the Malaria and how to hang a net page
Flashlight or torch
Have you heard about new LED lights? .Such as SSC p7 or R2? They are awesome! India has numerous power outages, and even your room will be equipped with a low wattage bulbs. So this new technology is a god sent and a must for any traveler in India.
LED bulb technology gives you an incredible source of light running on common AA batters. LED's bulbs also last a very long time and are durable. The SSC p7 is about that same as 150w bulb in your house!
A great invention is the hand operated, pull cord flashlight only $9.95, and also the Solar Flashlight (torch.) Another hand crank light with FM radio (it's the same as the big name brand but cheaper)
The benefit is that you don't need to carry batteries or a battery charger. If you need AA's for your MP3 player or camera you might stick with that. It up to you.
These are so handy that you might just lose one, better bring two!
Hammock
In India you can find cheap hammocks made from nylon or if you prefer you get a nice Mexico one and bring it with you. Hammocks are useful in Asia because there seems to be shortage of comfortable chairs or sofas. A hammock is always useful because in a pinch you can sleep in it. Look for on that is very light weight, less than .5 kg
Shoes
Cross Trainers are ideal for India because they are light weight to carry with you when not wearing them and not too uncomfortable in the tropics yet rugged enough to use for an exteneded trek in the Himalaya. If you have weak ankles or such problem you may have no choice but to use a proper pair of boots. Running shoes are not adequate for trekking.
Remember to wear in your shoes before you leave. Blister are not fun and can lead to infections.
Don't be foolish and not bring shoes. Sandals are not enough to protect your feet. In India there is a lot of rubbish and other bacteria on the ground.
Sandals
An essecial item. Cheap rubber is not good for the feet. Try to get a decent quality sport sandal. Easy washing means easy to remove cow dung. Teva are an excellent brand and will last an extended trip and are reccomended.
Remember to wear in your sandals before you leave. Blister are not fun and can lead to infections.
Socks
These are Fruit of the Loom Work socks. I recommends these because they are great quality and cheap! Easy to wash, comfortable and strong.
Its a good idea to get some good trekking socks. If you have larger than size 11 feet you will not be able to find ANY socks in Asia at all. I usually bring about 6-10 pairs. Bring extra
Hat
Want a good quality hat? Try a Tilley.
CLOTHS
You may have heard about the inexpensive (cheap) clothing in India. This is true. However the quality and fit is likely to be sub par. If you are a regular large size euro person, the sizes will not fit you. Such as 32" jeans are not really 32" for westerners but for small Indians, no ass! This is unfortunately true for even name brand shops in the big cities.
Indian made garments tend to shrink or not use color fast dyes.
Large t-shirt are actually medium in western size.
It is best to bring most of your own cloths for the duration of the trip because it will be difficult finding the quality you are used to.
1-2 pants of pants or jeans. Some people like synthetic, i prefer cotton
2-3 T-shirt
2 Pair of shorts, you know the ones with multiple pockets.
1 long sleeve shirt, good for keeping the mosquito off, also to wear in the airport.
1 Fleece, double sided, jacket
Zip Lock Bags- Don't leave home without them!
Zip lock bags are good to bring with you. Pack everything in it's own zip lock bag. This will help organize and protect your stuff. Any bottles may break and spill into your other items, may ruin your electronic item.
Zip lock are good for any electronic such as laptop, IPOD, or camera, helps protect them. You can create a bigger zip lock bag to fit your laptop or camera, this will prevent dampness for effecting the electronic components.
Zip lock can be used instead of bottles, just double bag any liquid such as sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel, etc. You need some smaller 2"x3" size for this. Just squeeze a good amount in one baggie and then double bag it in case of leak. This is a good idea for short treks or day outings, instead of carrying the whole bottle.
Sunglasses
The sunglasses they sell in Asia are low quality and often fake. It is better to bring your own. In fact two pairs because it is easy to break one and they you will have a hard time to replace it.
 I like polarized. Sunscreen
Seems every time I'm going to Asia there are sales at home on sunscreen. So when every i see a sale i say well it must be time for Asia!
The quality in Asia maybe dubious, bring your own from home, western countries sell a lot more of this stuff, so it is better quality.
Towels
Now a days there is some called a compression towel. That is very handy for the traveler.
Travel Adapter
Keep in mind 110v of North America the plug is reversed in Asia. Most but not all electronic items say 110-220v on the back, makes sure it does or it will fry! Also you need a plug adapter or your electronic item will be fried!
Check the back of your electronic device it should say from 110-240v not just 110v. If your in th UK it will say 220v this is the same in India. You still need a plug adapter because the polarity is reverse. In Thailand they take the same plug as in North America but the polarity is reverse and you will destroy your device.
Travel Lock
The general run in India is to use your own lock. This is because one of the employees or the owner may enter the room other wise, to "check something."
The other reason is that thieves may check in for few days and make a copy of the lock, then sneak back in a few months later.
One solution is to use a combo lock, you won't lose the key!
Travel Clock
You will need to know the correct time for flights, trains, buses and check out times etc. 
Music
Ipod and the like are a god sent for the traveler. Was it just yesterday that we only cassetes? You don't need a 60 or 80 gb really you can use a 4gb nano and swap your music with a PHD If you don't want to damage you hearing with headphones...okay i prefer real sound from real speakers. But travel speakers sound so crap! Yes true, but here is one i found that sounds really good. Times are changin'
 It's the Tivilo Audio's ISongBook
The Good: Terrific quality sound, Its stereo and the speakers detach. It's small and well built. It has a built in AA battery charge, Has remote and attachments for ipods. Cool blue light and clock. Loud enough to really annoy your neighbors. he he.
The Bad: At 1.3 kgs it could be lighter, still it is just light enough for a backpacker. Adapter is heavy. You can find another smaller 12v adapter is much better. Takes 6 AA, tip: you can use a 9v l-ion DVD battery instead. I use one from dynex. Saves on weight.
Price paid: $112 on ebay, $399 retail.
Other: I think this is best option on the market today for good sound quality.
Music Instruments on the road...
Many people like to bring an instrument with them, this is a great way to break the ice with local people and also pass some time during the many delays in India.
Guitar: Bob Dylan did it, why not you? The best type of travel guitar is a Spanish Classical. You can find them in your local pawn shop or second hand guitar dealer. There are many 'hand made' guitar left of from the 1970's that can be picked up for a song. Nylon strings are light weight. Spanish guitar have no truss rod (a heavy, metal rod in the neck of the guitar.) This is best type of travel guitar to get because they weight almost nothing and sound very good. Guitars made in India are very poor quality and are heavy.
Remember to get a soft case. Your guitar can stowed in the overhead compartment of the airplane or bus.
Drums: You'll notice many tabla and drum seller targeting you in India. Be warned that these are not of any particular quality and are VERY heavy to carry around with you.
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