The key to hiking and biking is going as lightweight as you can.  Some take this to the extreme, I prefer to go with what makes me comfortable without being too rediculous about what I am taking.  One of the attractions of hiking for me, is going back to basics - to appreciate that all the things we currently think we "need" to survive day to day is a long way from reality.  Therefore I challenge you to scale back and do without some of the "essentials".

Whether its overnight or 5 nights, you will find there isn't much you can do about reducing the core items you need.  A backpack, tent, sleeping bag, mattress, headlight and stove are pretty much the basics.  You then simply add more food, water and clothing for longer trips.  So accept the fact there is going to be some weight in the backpack before you add the other items.

Planning is really important - so too is a good imagination as you really need to picture yourself out there in the bush at each stage of the trip - sleeping, eating and walking. It is also a good idea to plan your meals.  I do a simple matrix up - meals across the top (including a heading for snacks), days walking down the side.  In each square I write a meal.  Once all meals are recorded, I then construct a shopping list off the right of the page.  The list forms ALL that you neeed to eat! 

Discarded excess packing is a good idea.  You don't need the box the muesli bars come in.  Transfer items to more durable containers.  Long life milk can be transferred from the tetra pack to a small drink bottle - that way you only need to use what you require (rather than opening a whole container and having to throw it away).  I like baked beans, I don't mind taking a small tin (extra weight) but I make sure I eat this as one of my first meals.  I could open and transfer to a zip lock bag too.

Visualise your activities.  I start with sleeping.  I think of all the things I need to be comfortable - tent, mat, sleeping bag, pillow, headlight, ipod or a small book.  Then eating - small stove, pot (one is usually enough - no need to take te whole set & I can eat from the bowl), matches, fuel, cutlery, washing up cloth and small amount of detergent (hotel shampoo bottles are good for this) & cup for my tea.  Finally, the walk itself - water, aeroguard, compass or epirb, clothes that will dry quick and be re-worn.

Begin to pack your backpack.  Cram socks & jocks into the gaps.  Pack tight.  Any room left? How is the weight?  Now you can add your extras eg treats, radios, cameras etc.

And don't forget to pack a rubbish bag!  What you take out to the bush should be brought back to the bin.

Happy camping!