Do NOT follow the example of the Confederate Infantry, they were very poorly equipped (esp. toward the end), but rather follow the backpackers, get yourself a comfortable back of not less than 4000 cubic inch capacity(yes you will need "all that space").
As for food,I personally think that you shouldn't attempt to use modern (store bought) jerky as a FOOD source (far too much salt and spice for constant use, slim jims are about the same (if you mean the small snack sausages) and boullion cubes have no calories at all, therefore, I would suggest trying to find bulk marzipan (comes in 7.5 ounce plastic tubes and has a very long shelf life).