Use this as a guide to organise your own equipment list, though those experienced in hiking trips would not need to use this list, it does open up ideas for suggestions.

For longer hikes - I utilise smaller and lighter items to help make way for extra food and clothing if need be.

This list also includes what I would take for my daily food requirements which changes all the time - again this is of a personal taste and you can make your own list up for whatever suits you

The author takes no responsibility for anyone who gains mishap from using this list - most of it is basically commonsense. I have experienced many successful hiking trips using the list below

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Rucksack (Preferably 50-80 litre capacity with a decent weight bearing harness system and a strong hip belt - I prefer to use either a Macpac or Mont)
Rucksack liner (Sea To Summit make great waterproof liners, though 1-2 large strong garbage bags can do the job)
Steripen or Water Purifyer (Mine is a Katadyn and is great for filtering slow moving water)
Hydration Bag (If in an area where there are plenty of creeks to cross I'd take a 1 litre bag otherwise a 3 litre is a must)
Boots (Whatever keeps your feet comfortable, protected and dry)
Trekking Poles (They can take the load off your knees and ankles, increase durability and aid travel on uneven ground, assist water crossings and steep descents. A pair of two sticks are recommended - I use Leki Poles)

SLEEPING
Tent,fly,poles & pegs (A lightweight 1 or 2 person capacity tent is essential. My main tents are now either a Hilleberg Atko or Niak)
Sleeping Bag & Stuff Sack (A good 3 season Down filled Bag is perfect. I use a Mont)
Silk Liner (Protects your expensive sleeping bag from dirt and odors)
Thermarest Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat (Used as a comfortable and insulating mattress)

CLOTHING
1x Thermal T-shirt (Perfect for those cold nights - a Merino blend is my preference)
2x Shirts (Long Sleeve) (A lighweight, moisture wicking shirt is recommended - I like the Exofficio brand - sold by Paddy Pallin in Australia)
1x Thermal Pants (Used for sleeping in - any polypropilene will do and keep you warm)
2x Long Trousers (As with the shirts. I prefer Mont brand, it has a built-in belt and you can choose between full length or zip off legs to make shorts)
2x Thick socks (Most wool blend will do but I preder the 'Smart Wool' brand)
2x Briefs (Anything but cotton - Exofficio make a great product that wick away the sweat and these days there is a range of bamboo style underwear to prevent chafing)
Beanie (Fleece or wool will do)
1x Down Jacket (The down jackets can be compressed into a small stuff sack where fleece will take up room in your rucksack. I have an assortment of hooded, sleveless and long sleeve down jackets to choose from depending on conditions and rucksack space available)

Gore-tex Raincoat (A must on any trip. If keeping to a trail a poncho can suffice)
Wet Weather Pants (Optional) (Will keep your legs dry, but are they worth the extra space taken in the rucksack?)
Cabin Boots or Sandals (Perfect for around camp when you just need to get out of those boots after a hard day's walking sandals can be worn for river crossings)
Gloves (Preferably fleece or wool to keep your fingers warm)
Sun Hat & Sunglasses

COOKING / EATING
Trangia Stove & Pot set (Come in a range of sizes and uses methylated spirits for fuel. Trangia is perfect for what I like to cook but just lately I've been very impressed with my Optimus Crux Stove and Terra WE Pot Set)
Fuel & Bottle (Methylated Spirits kept in a steel leak proof bottle for the Trangia)
Eating Irons (Any plastic or aluminium knife, fork & spoon set for eating. I use a titranium fold-up spork made by Sea To Summit)
Mug (Any plastic 'Decor' type mug will suffice but Sea To Summit now have the "X" brand of collapsible cups and bowls)
Water Bag (4 Litre Wine Bladder) (I use these to collect water from nearby creeks to be used for cooking at camp)
Matches (There are many types that include windproof and waterproof)
Pot Scourer (Sponge with nylon scour pad - perfect for cleaning utensils. A small plastic bottle of detergent can also be carried)

ACCESSORIES
Caplamp & Batteries (A great range of hands free models are available and LED technology means you only need 3 or 4 batteries on a trip - I use Petzl)
Swiss Army Knife (A multi purpose tool that can have many uses - Victorinox, Leatherman and Wenger are the best brands)
Rag for wiping tent (Can be attached to the outside of your rucksack. I use it to wipe off the condensation when packing up)
Maps & Map Case (A map case helps keep your maps dry and clean)
GPS/Compass & Whistle (I take both a GPS and a compass. The whistle can come in very handy)
Rubbish Bags (Shopping style plastic bags for rubbish, food and other items kept in your rucksack, like spare clothing)
Dry Bags (A great alternative to plastic shopping bags - Sea To Summit have a great range)

PERSONAL GEAR
Toilet Roll & Medi-Wipes/Sanitising Gel (Essential items for those urgent needs)
Dental Kit (Toothbrush, Mouthwash etc)
First Aid Kit (The contents in this vary from person to person depending on requirements. Check any hiking book for more details)
Emergency Kit (Optional) (You can carry a small mirror, matches, needle & thread etc etc)

FOOD (This is what I would take on a trip multiplied by the number of days required)
Freeze Dry Meals (Just add boiling water, reseal and wait. Can be expensive - eat from the packet - see below for list of 2 brands I use)
Cup-A-Soups (Many brands and varieties can be found in your local supermarket aisle)
Breakfast (Cereal in small ziplock bags or Quick Oats are easy to prepare - Kelloggs Variety are handy, lightweight and take up little space)
Tortillas (Flat breads that sit protected in the side of your rucksack)
Packet Salmon or Tuna (In sealed sachets found in your local supermarket)
Salami (Can keep for many days if kept in an airtight bag)
Cheese (As above - or use processed or cheese sticks)
Trail Snacks (Nuts/Sweets/Chocolate bars - to eat on the go or at occasional stops)
Coffee/Tea (For that brew up - don't forget your powdered milk and sugar if you prefer them)