Hi All,
We're always chatting about what to take along Backpacking. Well this is fairly comprehensive list of ITEMS THAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO BACKPACKING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES: If you leave out any item on list your pack will be lighter!!!!! WOW YMMV

Those items closer to the top may be considered optional if they are required under the circumstances.

Flashlight
Toilet paper
map
knife
Night Vision Gear
camera
tripod
spare lenses
fork
spoon
spork
straw
chop sticks
tooth brush
comb
nail file
radio
GPS
compass
floss
toothpaste
hair brush
hair dryer
First Aid
Primative fire starter
spare clothes
swim suits
large towels
iron skillet
anodized cookware
clean underwear
a camp sink
biodegradeable shampoo
Brillo pads
Bowie knife
machete
snake bite kit - sorry chaz
separate cup
cord
whistle
bear spray
gun
spare ammo
Bear cannister
holster
trowel
shovel
ice axe
crampons
ropes
a carabiner
knife sharpener
axe
hatchet
pillow
sleeping pad
candle lantern
candle
vasaline soaked anything
plastic spatula
kite
flag
dynamite (it does happen)
signal mirror
spare dog harness
anorak
PAK boots
folding cups
camp shoes
tent
bivy sack
saw
pack
thermos
ice pack
silk anything
sleeping bag liner
tent foot print
tea cozy
spare zip locks
camp chair
fishing tackle
fly tying gear
ANY RADIO
spare batteries
stove
fuel
spare pans
ipod
skewers
reloading gear
cook grate
arrowhead knapping gear

Leave out all of the above and your pack will be UL!
Jim