If there are no bugs and it's summertime and I'm traveling light for 2-3 days,ground cloth and tarp,sleeping bag/pad,change of clothes and a tire patch kit,pump,flashlight,matches,map/compass.That's all folks.Get food/water along the way.

If there's bugs/bad weather,ditch tarp/GC and bring tent and rain jacket.

For 2-3 days,you can freeze subway sandwiches and roll them in you sleeping bag,they'll stay frozen for that long.....

We used to do that backpacking on week long trips.Freeze a sub sandwich/bring a can of beer,store in sleeping bag for 2-3 days,3rd night,break out white shirt,white tablecloth and candles.Sit around eating foot long sub sandwiches/drinking a beer for dinner while everybody else is eating freeze dried stuff and powdered fruity drinks.....If you ever want to know what the eyes of a cannibal look like.....