I've been bushwalking for approx 25 years and along the way i've found a few things have been helpful. Some haven't but I thought i'd share some of the items I take with me. Generally when I go out bushwalking I carry a little more than what's neccessary. Sometimes you might want to enjoy the view a little longer and then if you have to stay the night it's not a miserable time. Maybe this might help the novice walker.

-     CLOTHES

-     Walking poles (3 piece collapasible type, less size when strapped to your pack)

-     Gaitors ,choose the length right for you, I find the flat strap types last longer

-     Hiking boots, choose very well, you spend a long time in them

-     Socks, a thicker type adds to the comfort when walking

-     Pants, shirt, choose what works well for you, an oversized long sleeve shirt for the sun

-     Waterproof pants and top, gore-tex is a good option but stays wetter longer

-     Hats, cap and wide brim

-     Gloves, good when scrambling and reduces risk of ant bites and other little insects

-     CAMPING GEAR

-     Backpack, look for the strongest you can, half to full day 30-50 litres longer 70+ liters

-     Backpack cover, essential to keeping your pack dry, wet pack=heavy  :(

-     Hiking tent, they are lighter, your gear equals one person in a tent

-     Sleeping bag, removable liner adds to the adapatability of your bag

-     Sleeping mat, I've found an inflatable type helps. sleep well, walk well the next day

-     Water/ Water filter/ treatment, long trips filters help, unknown water boil for 3 mins

-     Waterbladders, eg. camelbak are great for drinking on the move

-     Toilet paper + shovel, bury 100m from water and 15cms deep

-     Never wash gear close to streams

-     Cooking + utensils, I use old military gear seems to be stronger and cheaper

-     Stove + fuel, some parks are fuel stoves only

-     Store your gear inside plastic dry bags inside your pack

-     OTHER GEAR

-     Rope, good for scrambling and emergencies

-     Camera, capture those great moments

-     Notepad + pen, ideal for track notes

-     GPS, have maps updated regularly

-     Watch, outdoors watches are great

-     Headlamp, with red light (keeps nightvision) LED lights have longer battery life

-     Torch, always choose LED type and use alkaline batteries

-     Light reading, your favourite magazine. sit back and read while enjoying the view

-     Sandals, at the end of the day good to get out of those boots around camp

-     Thermos, hot choc on a cold day......... yummy

-     Insect repellent, The bushman extra strength type is fantastic keeps leeches away

-     Spare Clothes, dry old clothes on your pack when walking or sleeping

-     Binoculars

-     Altimeter

-     Map + Compass, make sure you know how to use them

-     Sunglasses + sunscreen, SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SHADE

-     Knife, strong medium size blade

-     Wire saw, available from good camping stores

-     Cord, help build emergency shelter

-     Whistle, louder and travels further than human voice

-     Food + Water, take more, if your rained in helps keep morale up

-     First Aid Kit,

-     Space blanket,

-     Fire starter, flint works even when wet

-     Extra clothes, if your wet your not happy, enjoy your time outdoors

-     LEAVE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS WITH SOMEONE RESPONSIBLE

     The above is only a guide. Depending on your distance of travel items maybe needed or deleted. ALWAYS Practice with your gear before going out, know how to put up your tent, read a map. Start a fire with a flint and keep a little bit of cotton wool in with your fire kit.