My main memory is of there not being so much dedicated 'hiking equipment' at all, certainly not clothing - apart from boots you just wore your older/scruffier clothes, and your warmest jumper on a cold day, with the obligatory suffocating cagoule pulled awkwardly on over the top if it was really pouring with rain (wasn't considered worth bothering with for drizzle or a light shower). Mine was always a hand-me-down from one of my older brothers, so tended to be too big, and they were stiff and crinkly compared with today's waterproofs.
People seem to carry a lot more for short/day hikes now; I don't remember my parents bothering with emergency food, first-aid kits, spare clothing, survival bags, torches, or even water unless it was particularly hot weather (and then only a small amount compared with what people haul along now) - you just got thirsty and that was that, or drank from a stream or spring. No need to carry a big heavy 'sac'. Things have changed for the better in some ways, but perhaps at the cost of over-preparing now and losing some of the freedom and spontaneity of walking?
I don't remember camping without a mat, though I do recall having a roll of grey foam that was incredibly lightweight and comfier than any pricey Thermarest. Too bulky to fit in my pack, though, so it had to be tied on and dangle behind annoyingly.