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What to bring to the Smoky Mountains

It's weather, so it's unpredictable. Temperatures may range from the 30s at night to 90s during the day. It may rain several days in a row, may be hot and humid or cool and dry, and may even freeze at night so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Page Last Updated 7/29/2005

Personal Effects

Bring very small containers of items like toothpaste or hand sanitizer.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• Bowl
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper
• Contact lenses / Mirror / Hair Clips / Ponytail Bands etc.
• Headlamp - LED lamps will run all week on 1 set of batteries.
• Some cash, a credit card, and ID (leave wallet home)
• Compass
• Pocket Knife
• Quick Dry Pack Towel
• Whistle / Mirror (if lost)
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder
• Duct tape
• Maps***
• Trowel***
• Rope***

Water

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things while hiking and trying to lose weight is to stay hydrated and drink continuously. Bring:

• Water container(s) that together can hold up to 1 gallon. Nalgene, Camelbacks, Platypus, or Plastic Soda bottles.
• Water Filters***
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira

General Gear

We will try to provide items with 3 asterisks, but if you have any of these items, consider bringing them.

• Backpack (at least 5000 cu in)
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)
• Bear Bags / Cannisters*** (There WILL be bears, so we should plan to hang our food every night)
• Cook Stoves***
• Fuel Bottles and White Fuel
• Pots & Pans***
• Serving utensils*** (Ladle, Spoon etc)
• Lighter / Waterproof matches
• Trash Bags (bring a few)
• Straps and Caribiners

Optional Items

These items can add to your comfort greatly, but will also add to pack weight.

• An interesting but lightweight book
• Swimsuit and/or briefs/panties (not cotton)
• Glove liners
• Insect Headnet
• Deodorant (to prevent feet from sweating)
• Pen and Journal
• Camera
• Inflatable Pillow or soft Stuff Sack (for sleeping)
• First Aid Kit (guides will be carrying these)

Clothing

• Sturdy Hiking Boots (broken in). Lightweight hikers are OK with sufficient ankle support.
• Sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos) for in camp
• Socks, between 2-4 pair. Some people like Smartwool, Dahlgren or other 1 layer systems. Others prefer polypro liner socks and a wool outer sock. No cotton.
• Quick Dry Long Hiking Pants (No jeans which stay wet and heavy!).
• Quick Dry Short Pants (your long pants can have zip-off legs)
• Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirt
• Quick Dry Short Sleeve Shirt
• Sweater or Fleece
• Waterproof Breatheable Rain Shell such as Gore-Tex (Also good for repelling wind)
• Rain Pants or Gaiters
• Wool or Synthetic cold-weather hat (you lose most of your heat through your head).
• Long sleeve Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear top (can get cold at night)
• Long Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear bottom (can get cold at night)
• Wide Brim Hat