I think the important thing is to go. Just a overnighter is a release, check out this vid: talks about just going. Gear is secondary, mostly gearhead speak/speak. But going is the thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHH8wsBWxTA&feature=related
Note the hiking pole(s) are a item for us older folks, they seem to work after you get used to them.