Preparing For an Overnight Hike

We are excited to be going on an overnight hike soon but I have found that preparing for one is the hard part.  I found a hike for us, so that's one thing off the list, but what about everything else that you need.  Like a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, first aid kit, food storage (to keep bears away), insect repellent, etc.  There are so many things to think of when you are going on an overnight hike.  Then it's thinking about, can we carry all of this?  We both have large bags, but we don't want to have too much weight on us, so then it comes down to "what do we really need" versus "what do I want to bring." 

I found a great list of items that are essential and for comfort in my Backpacking Washington book.  So I'm making sure we have all of the essentials and then if we have room we can bring additional items. Below are the items from the list, the items marked with an asterisk (*) are for comfort.  Do you agree with this list?

My Backpacking List

• pack and cover
• tent
• ground cloth
• space blanket
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• headlamp
• batteries
• *stool
• *collapsible water bucket
• stove
• fuel
• dishes and cup
• utensils
• matches
• food bag and food
• boots
• socks and liners
• shorts
• briefs
• thermal shirt
• long-sleeve shirt
• short-sleeve shirt
• fleece vest
• long pants
• rain jacket, shell, or poncho
• rain pants
• rain hat
• cap sunglasses
• gloves
• *camp shoes
• bandanna
• map and compass
• notebook and pen
• safety pins
• garbage bag
• resealable plastic bags
• rope
• jackknife
• collapsible water bottles
• *collapsible wine bag
• duct tape
• *trekking poles
• first aid kit
• toiletries
• toilet paper
• hand sanitizer
• ibuprofen
• *magazine/book
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• water tablets
• washcloth and towel
• *camera
• *GPS unit
• *small lantern
• map