Make certain that your boots are broken in. You do not want to cut the hike short due to acute crippling of your feet. This happened to a poor sap one time and it was not a pretty sight. If you need to purchase new boots, the  Ozark Trail - Men's Peyton III High-Top Hiking Boots at Walmart are a good choice.

Get a pair of sock liners and WOOL socks. Cotton is not your friend when hiking.

Learn a bit about Black Bears. Chances are you will not see or encounter one, however, many forests are loaded with them,  you will be more apt to survive with clean undershorts if you are somewhat educated about them. Keep in mind that you may soil yourself regardless the first time you see one. This is entirely normal and is nothing to be ashamed about.

Think about things that you would not normally think about when preparing for the hike. Try to have every situation that you may experience planned for appropriately.  Make certain to bring the items that will be needed to address these preconceived situations  Some examples are: tools, shoelaces, rope, spare batteries, needle and thread, etc.... Hopefully you will not need these items, however, if you fail to bring them you will need them.

Purchase or construct a First Aid kit. There is no real need to elaborate on this topic, in that it would be nothing more than an exercise in stating the complete obvious.

Know what Poison Ivy looks like. If you do not know, you may have the luxury of scratching yourself into a complete stupor.

Bring Duct Tape for blister prevention and treatment.

Bring a Swiss Army knife or equivalent.  The Climber is a good all around model that has the essentials.

Other important survival items are; waterproof matches in a waterproof container, preferably one with a flint attached; a durable compass; map; watch; waterproof ground cloth and cover; flashlight; binoculars; dark glasses; fatty emergency foods; food gathering gear; and signaling items

If you are current suffering from any medical/dental problems that may unexpectedly flare up (i.e. tooth ache, appendix, kidney stones), get it corrected before considering going on a backpacking trip. You do not want to be in a position where you have to get dental treatment by some unknown hack in a small jerkwater town. Just as painful is experiencing an appendectomy that is performed by a fellow hiker. I think you get the idea...

If possible, poop immediately before hitting the trail. By evacuating your system at the start of your hike, you will eliminate one episode of outdoor defecation. The general consensus among outdoor enthusiasts is that "Number Two" is better performed in an enclosed structure with modern plumbing and available cleaning supplies. Also, dried oak leaves are unpleasant.

If you want to "lighten your load" bring food that does not require cooking (i.e. beef jerky, nuts, tuna, etc) One night without "hot" food will not have devastating impact on your livelihood and will make things easier for you. Also, if you are subsisting solely on dehydrated meals and coffee/ tea, try making one of these lightweight alcohol stoves. These work wonderfully and weigh practically nothing.

If you are not subsisting solely on dehydrated meals and coffee/ tea, the following stoves are good choices:

• Coleman Feather™ 442 Dual Fuel™  This stove is not too big, is simple to light, has a large fuel tank, and wont explode in your face.  Some backpacking "purists" denounce this stove as too heavy and /or unreliable....they are wrong don't listen to them.
• Optimus Svea 123R . This stove has been around for many years, is made of solid brass, and dead reliable. However you need to be careful when lighting it or it could explode and cause injury. However, this rarely happens.

If you are using a gasoline stove you will need to carry additional fuel. You can spend $20 - $30 on a Sigg or MSR aluminum bottle which work great. However, you can also use the empty aluminum bottle that many of the popular "energy" drinks are packaged in. Just make certain that the cap is leak proof so you don't die from inhaling gasoline fumes or inadvertent explosion.

You will need something to cook your food or boil your water in. If you are really trying to pare the weight from your pack bring a smallish kettle that can serve as a cooking pot as well as a drinking cup. You can find just about anything by performing some online shopping.  If you are a real cheap person, you can fashion a nice pot out of an emptied out Tomato Puree can. Just make certain to file the lip of the can down smooth so you don't inadvertently remove you lips while drinking from it.

A few thoughts about titanium. It is over priced and you don't have to have it - regardless of what you will hear or read from the backpacking "experts". Save your money and put it towards additional gear that will provide real benefit. Also don't waste your time drilling holes in your toothbrush to save weight.

Buy a spork

If you want to save a few bucks along with some weight use an empty 1 liter plastic tonic water bottle (or similar item) as you water bottle.

Don't overload on clothing and abide by good Layering principles. Make certain that you bring adequate clothing that will allow you to comfortably handle the expected temperatures that you will encounter , however, do not get caught up in the notion that you have to wear new "clean" clothes every day. Keep in mind that you are participating in an outdoor activity and that it is not imperative that you look your best. As long as you are comfortable and do not smell like the "ass end of a great unwashed beast" you will be fine. You will be amazed at the weight that you will pare from your pack by not bringing unneeded clothing. Also, Read this.

If you are a real stinker consider bringing a package of personal cleansing wipes. You can use these to keep yourself nice and tidy, and any unused remnants can be used to clean your infant child's keister.

More than likely you will want to sleep in a tent of some sort. Most often the tent is the heaviest component in your pack, and unless you are fond of humping heavy loads, you should consider a lightweight tent designed for backpacking. Besides being lighter and stronger than the "family heirloom 3 man dome tent" that most first timers throw in their pack, they are designed for handling the elements better. If you are not claustrophobic, consider a solo backpackers tent  otherwise choose a small 2 man shelter. The tent is the best and most overlooked opportunity to shed weight from your pack.

A groundcloth is always a good idea. The first thing that usually comes to mind is the piece of plastic that goes under the tent. However, it is really much more than that. It can also be used as an emergency rain shelter and is a great to use for seating purposes - especially when on the trail and taking a nice long break. Just spread it out and you have a nice dry clean spot to rest and setup for making a meal, etc... Take a walk around a new construction site and find yourself a good sized piece of "Tyvek" - which is the white sheeting that goes around the bare walls when constructing a house or building. Keep in mind that you may suffer pain if you get caught removing it from the walls of a new house.

"If you are a light sleeper, consider bringing a pillow of some sort - preferably the biggest one you can effectively pack.   Many backpackers forget this valuable item or substitute a stuff sack filled with clothes for it. This works well for many folks, however, many poor saps experience sleepless nights because of it.  If you have problems falling asleep bring a book to read - nothing scary though. Remember, when you are lying in your tent awake at night you hear many different noises and sounds.

Bring pain reliever. While Cannibis Sativa is a good pain reliever, it is illegal and not recommended for this trip.  If you really want to make certain that you have quality pain reliever, go to the dentist and fake a bad toothache. If you are lucky you will get a prescription for Darvon or Percoset that you can store in a water tight container and keep with your hiking equipment. This stuff will last for years with no deterioration, and you will be ensured of having pain relief when you really need it.

If possible run a mile every couple of days as soon as the weather permits. You will be amazed at how much easier the hike will be for you.

If you smoke - quit now.

Bring some type of ointment for chafing of your scrotum, inner thighs, and rectal area. Don't laugh - if it happens you will be most happy that you brought it.  There have been hikers who have had to remove their underwear due to intense irritation from chafing and or fissures.

Get a pair of sock liners and WOOL socks. Cotton is not your friend when hiking.

Bring adequate food for the hike. Think diligently about what you will eat during the hike. More than likely you will bring too much food. Consider  purchasing pre-packaged dehydrated meals. Do not bring more than you really need (i.e. a 5 pound bag of trail mix). This is difficult to estimate, however. Often it takes a few trips to figure it out correctly. Some people never figure it out.  If you don't want to spend your hard earned money on expensive pre packaged dehydrated foods you can choose from many options at your local grocery store. Consider those entrees that only mandate the addition of hot water and you will be fine. Choose wrongly though and your innards won't be fine.

Consider purchasing a water filter or purifier. Not having one will necessitate mooching off of your fellow hikers, or possibly contracting a waterborne sickness. Neither of these are pleasant options.

Bring some sort of rain gear. If you do not have any it will rain on you.

If you have a difficult time falling asleep bring a book to read.

If considering the previous suggestion, bring a lantern - a very small lantern.

While not mandatory, it is highly desirable to bring some type of sleeping pad to insulate you from the ground and provide some degree of comfort. There are two types of pads - closed and open cell. Open cell are usually at least 1 inch thick and soft. Modern types are most often enclosed in a vinyl cover and can be inflated. Closed cell units are usually about 1/2 inch thick and not soft, however, they are significantly less expensive.  Back surgery, however, is very expensive.

Bring Immodium AD or equivalent.

Blackberry Brandy (or any other flavor ) is quite good to sip when sitting around the fire listening to the shallow conversation emanating from the participants. If you really want to pare the ounces while maintaining the ability to enjoy an alcoholic haze, consider bringing a small container of 190 proof grain alcohol (or grain neutral spirits as is sometimes referred to). This lethal solution is often sold under the name of "Everclear" and can be mixed with any type of beverage. One shot glass equals about 3 beers so be careful. Also, do not drink this straight as you may suffer severe oral and gastric disturbances.

If you know any good jokes they will be welcome. Most of the jokes that are told are very poor in quality, and often times lack any humorous value whatsoever.

Bring slippers or some sort of comfortable (lightweight)  footwear to wear in the camp area. Your dogs will be barking and you will be glad to give them a break.

If relaxation comfort is very important to your well being, you may want to splurge on weight and bring a lightweight folding stool. This is immensely better than sitting on a log or rock - or the wet ground for that matter. Another option - use you sleeping pad (if you are using one) for relaxation. A plastic garbage bag also works, as does the silver shiny "emergency blanket" that should be in your first aid kit. Keep in mind that any option exclusive of the stool or sleeping pad may result in rectal pain due to hard/ inflexible surfaces.

Make certain that your sleeping bag is adequate for the temperature that is expected. Add about five degrees to the manufacturer's  temperature rating. Pound for pound, a good down filled sleeping bag will provide you with the most comfort and warmth. However, it will also lighten your wallet significantly. Therefore you need to perform a comfort/weight/wallet analysis. However if you freeze to death your analysis will become meaningless. Buy the best you can afford and that which meets your needs. No need to buy a zero degree rated bag if you never camp in the late fall or winter months.

***Additional Information will be added as it is made up by the author of this site***