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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 4/4/2007

Personal Effects

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

• Bowl / Cup
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper / Baby Wipes (note: Baby Wipes must be packed out with garbage)
• Contact lenses / Glasses
• 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)
• Pocket Knife
• Quick Dry Pack Towel
• Whistle / Mirror (if lost)
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder

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.

General Gear

We may be able to provide items with 3 asterisks, but many people prefer to use their own equipment such as sleeping bags over used ones. Also items such as backpacks are size specific.

• Backpack (at least 4000 cu in)***
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)***
• Lighter / Waterproof matches (cannot be carried on plane)
• 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.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• A lightweight book or magazine
• Swimsuit and/or briefs/panties (not cotton)
• Glove liners
• Bandanna
• 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)
• Compass
• Duct tape
• Rope
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira (Guides carry water treatment equipment)

Clothing

• Sturdy Hiking Boots (broken in). Lightweight hikers are OK with sufficient ankle support.
• Sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos, Crocs) 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
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags in which to protect clothing from moisture