For a backpacking trip, you will need all of the gear you would take on a day hike, plus the following:

• Backpack: Internal frame or external frame
• Raincover: For the backpack
• Shock cord: To keep the raincover in place, in case of wind
• Tent
• Rope: Has many uses
• Sleeping bag: Look at both weight and warmth
• Sleeping pad
• Stove and fuel: For a short trip, a butane/propane stove is a pleasure to use
• Cookpot with cover
• Eating bowl: Stay away from metal bowls
• Mug/cup: Stay away from metal.
• Spoon and fork: Cheap disposable stuff will not last the trip
• Pocket knife
• Water treatment: Either a water filter or iodine tablets
• Ziploc baggies: To carry out all garbage
• Food
• Matches: The item we are most likely to forget
• Stuff sack: To keep the food in
• Flashlight: A headlamp is very convenient
• Small towel
• Toiletries: The minimum
• First aid kit
• Trowel: To bury human waste
• Sandals: For the evening
• Extra clothes: One set of underwear, shirt and socks is usually enough

Questions, comments, additions to the list? Send to danny@hikertohiker.com