WHAT TO BRING

• On any overnight, each person will need a stuffable (not the cotton-lined car-camping sort; they don't compress small enough) sleeping bag good to at least 20 degrees and a sleeping mat.  Old bones and wide hips should invest in a therma-rest (or similar type) inflatable pad.  Add a Z-rest for extra luxury.  Bag and pad together should not exceed 7.5 lbs.
• A daypack.  Layering clothing means that things are always coming off or going on, and your pack is where they go.  It also holds your water bottle, bandana, map, compass, suncreen, glasses, reading material, camera, binoculars, chewing gum, lip balm, hat, bug repellent, toiletries, TP, flashlight, etc.
• Boots appropriate for hiking.  You probably don't want the heavy ones that weigh five pounds, but the soles should be thick enough to protect against stone bruises.  Make sure that they are well broken in before the trip.
• a single hiking stick or a pair is a great knee-saver on the downhills.  We heartily recommend them.
• All of the above items, plus anything else you're willing to carry.

CLOTHING, FROM THE INSIDE OUT: 1. Underwear: make sure it absorbs sweat and doesn't bind or chafe. Take a couple of spares, not seven changes -- it is quite common to see intimate items 'fly' on packs while drying.
2. Socks should be heavy-duty.  Some people use a lightweight liner sock to guard against blisters.  Two or three pairs should be enough.
3. Underliner layer (doubles as sleepwear): long johns sets can be used, although we find long stretch excercise pants and turtlenecks are more versatile, since they can be worn as pants while drying the heavy pair.  They should be close-fitting to layer under regular clothing, but not bind movement.
4. Swimwear: for the intrepid. Light nylon drys fast and packs small.
5. Sun hat. Cotton is great for wearing wet.  A baseball cap will shield your eyes, but a brimmed hat is better for you neck.
6. Shorts: we recommend mid-thigh nylon or cotton walking-type with pockets.
7. Lightweight shirt or shell, slightly loose to catch breezes.  Silk or cotton is best.
8. Long pants: tough, but easily carried (jeans are heavy and very bulky).  Late in the year, when snow is likely, synthetic blends may be preferred---cotton is cold when wet and takes a long time to dry.  Whatever your choose, make sure that they do not restrict leg movement when climbing and that they fit over your underlayer pants and still leave room for movement.
9. Light pile liner jacket, sweater, or heavy wool shirt.  It should not be made with cotton, ramie, linen or silk, because these fabrics lose their ability to keep you warm if they get wet.  Synthetics are best.  We recommend button or zip fronts rather than pullovers.
10. Warm outer parka, long enough to keep the lower torso warm.  The new "sets" with separate windproof shell and fleece underjacket are preferable to a bulky single layer, and you can skip the pile sweater above.
11. Warm hat, balaclava or hood if attached to jacket.  Keeping the neck warm is important too---the head and neck account for 40% of body heat loss.
12. Camp shoes.  Lightweight canvas slip-ons work fine.  This gives your boots (and your feet) a rest at the end of the day and is great for slipping out of the tent at night.
13. Rain wear, if the parka above is not waterproof.   3 mil thick 40-gal. contractor-grade cleanup bags work just as well as the inexpensive heavy plastic type.  Coated nylon ripstop is recommended for long trips and/or frequent use.