Probably its because these kinds of Posts always have a caveat. They are still interesting to View, but for many, like me, to answer would always require a "it depends".
"It depends"... I don't always bring the same things for every trip. It depends on the nature of the trip.
A quick overnighter, that has little to no distance to cover, I might sled in some extra gear like a cot, stove, or even a chainsaw for that matter.
If I am skiing over a couple of lakes, flat and easy and it's only for one night, I may again sled in some heavy gear like a stove, but a saw instead of a chainsaw.
And again it depends, if I am snowshoeing through bush going up and down hills, breaking trail, then I may only use a backpack with a small solo tent, or even just a bivy with a tarp... it just depends.
Deep Freeze I bring EVERYTHING. Because we base camp for a week and make multiple day trips that might include a variety activities, including drinking heavilish with neighbouring tents?

But then go snowshoeing, skiing, orienteering, fishing, or just socializing, did I mention drinking?
"Key items" always included? Well, I can generalize with
GPS,map,compass (if exploring), SPOT, iphone??
base layers, mid layers, outer layers
change of "comfy dry evening clothes"
sleeping bag appropriate for expected temperatures
sleeping pad
chosen shelter for the trip (bivy, tent, "hot tent")
cooking system (pocket sized, or MSR International, or portable wood stove)
music (ipod with just ear buds, or small speakers, or even the Bose)
multi tool, lighter, fire steel, fuel
boots, snowshoes,
saw or axe,
small multi-repair kits (duct tape, wire, etc)
and yes, always Booties!!
That's pretty much it.