new to backpacking

I am so new, the sales tags are still on my equipment. How on earth am I ever going to get 2-person tent, sleeping bag, pad, cookware,stove, etc into that backpack (North Face Venus, med)?? What straps to the outside? the tent (North Face Rock 22)? the sleeping pad (thermarest)? I am so ignorant!!
For now, I’m doing car camping and will work up to the backpacking as I get braver. I have a nice daypack from Jansport for my little ventures out into the trails. We are going to Oak Mountain in Birmingham,Al next weekend for a first time trial run. Wish me luck!
Next summer, I and 2 friends am planning a car camping trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. We will be flying into Jackson and will spend the first 2 days in the Tetons. I am thinking about just getting a big duffle bag to put my camping gear in..all except the tent poles which I think would be safer with me. I don’t want to subject my big backpacking bag to the mercies of the airlines !
Let’s see, MSR pocketrocket stove, Bugaboo cookset…am I getting good stuff? I got lucky and got the tent, sleeping pad, backpack and daypack on sale thru Campmor. I may not be doing big-time expedition hiking but I don’t want flimsy stuff that tears up the 2 night in camp…during a storm…in cold weather.
AS for references, I just love Colin Flectchers The Complete Walker IV covers a lot but I need help on the details.