{"id":21082,"date":"2017-04-14T14:30:52","date_gmt":"2017-04-14T21:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21082"},"modified":"2025-01-10T14:02:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T22:02:25","slug":"great-smoky-mountains-backpacking-gear-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/great-smoky-mountains-backpacking-gear-list","title":{"rendered":"Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Packing List"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p>The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you\u2019re part of a guided group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide.<\/p>\n<p>Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire starter; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter. To learn more, see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\">Ten Essentials article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Equipment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-packs\">Backpack<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/pack-rain-covers\">raincover<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-tents\">Tent<\/a>\u00a0with guylines and repair sleeve<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/tent-footprints\">Tent footprint<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sleeping-bags\">Sleeping bag<\/a>\u00a0(15\u00b0 &#8211; 29\u00b0; suitable for wet weather)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sleeping-pads\">Sleeping pad<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/whistles\">Whistle<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/signal-mirrors\">plus signaling mirror<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/altimeter-watches\">Multifunction watch with altimeter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/knives\">Knife<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/multi-tools\">multi-tool<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/compasses\">Compass<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gps\">GPS<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/southeast-maps\">Map(s)<\/a>\u00a0and route description or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/southeast-hiking-guidebooks\">guidebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/trekking-poles-hiking-staffs\">Trekking poles<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/led-headlamps\">LED headlamp<\/a>\u00a0with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/batteries\">extra batteries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/water-treatment\">Water treatment system and backup<br \/>\n<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-stoves\">Stove<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/stove-fuel\">fuel<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0repair kit<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/matches\">Matches<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/lighters\">lighter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/cookware-and-dinnerware\">Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups<\/a>\u00a0(measuring\/drinking)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bear-resistant-food-containers\">Bear canister<\/a>\u00a0(for trips extending beyond park borders)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gear-repair\">Repair kits; duct tape strips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fire-starters\">Fire starter<\/a>\u00a0(for emergency survival fire)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Clothing and Footwear<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/briefs-and-boxers\">Wicking, quick-drying underwear<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/womens-sports-bras\">Wicking, quick-drying sports bra<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/long-underwear\">Wicking, quick-drying long underwear<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\">Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Quick-drying\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-pants\">pants<\/a>\u00a0(for added tick protection) or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-shorts\">shorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-jackets\">Fleece jacket<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-vests\">vest<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insulated-jackets\">insulated jacket<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insulated-vests\">vest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-pants\">Fleece pants<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/rain-jackets\">Waterproof\/breathable rain jacket<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/rain-pants\">Waterproof\/breathable rain pants<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bandanas\">Bandana<\/a>\u00a0or Buff<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sun-hats\">Sun-shielding hat<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/ball-caps\">ball cap<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/winter-hats\">Winter hat<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gloves-and-mittens\">Gloves or mittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-boots\">Hiking Boots<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-shoes\">hiking shoes<\/a>\u00a0suited to terrain<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-socks\">Socks (synthetic or wool)<\/a>\u00a0plus spares<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/leg-gaiters\">Gaiters<\/a>\u00a0(for added tick protection)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sandals\">Sandals<\/a>\u00a0(for fording streams and relaxing in camp)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/swimwear\">Swimwear<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Personal Items<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sunglasses\">Sunglasses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/water-bottles\">Water bottles<\/a>\u00a0(3) or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hydration-reservoirs\">hydration reservoirs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sunscreen\">Sunscreen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/lip-balm\">Lip balm<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-toothbrushes\">Toothbrush<\/a>\u00a0with cover and biodegradable toothpaste<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/soap-and-shampoo\">Biodegradable soap<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Toilet paper<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-shovels\">Sanitation trowel<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hand sanitizer<\/li>\n<li>Women&#8217;s hygiene items<\/li>\n<li>Personal wipes<\/li>\n<li>Plastic zip-lock bags<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insect-repellent\">Insect repellent<\/a>\u00a0(effective on ticks and biting midges and gnats)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/first-aid-supplies\">Tick-removal tool<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bear-spray\">Bear spray<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/first-aid-kits\">First-aid kit<\/a>\u00a0(see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/first-aid-checklist.html\">First-Aid Checklist<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-towels\">Quick-drying towel<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Camera or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/helmet-cameras\">helmet cam<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/memory-cards\">extra memory cards<\/a>\u00a0(all optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/binoculars\">Binoculars<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li>Cell phone (don\u2019t rely on service)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/plbs-and-satellite-messengers\">Satellite messenger or PLB<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/c\/portable-power\">Portable power device<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li>Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/journals\">Outdoor journal<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/pens\">pen<\/a>\u00a0and reading material (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Backcountry permit<\/li>\n<li>Fishing gear and permit (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Credit card; small amount of cash<\/li>\n<li>Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Food<\/h3>\n<p>Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breakfast (oatmeal, granola,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/freeze-dried-breakfasts\">freeze-dried breakfast<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/freeze-dried-dinners\">freeze-dried dinner<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/snacks\">Snacks<\/a>\u00a0(cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/energy-gels\">Energy gels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bars\">Energy bars<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sport-drinks\">Electrolyte replacement drink mix<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Extra day\u2019s supply of food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/loading-backpack.html\">The Ten Essentials<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/loading-backpack.html\">Ultralight Backpacking<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/loading-backpack.html\">Backpacks: How to Load<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you\u2019re part of a guided group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide. Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":21181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1518,113,298,1539,1542,1285],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-21082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-great-smoky-mountains-national-park","tag-national-park","tag-north-carolina","tag-packing-lists","tag-south","tag-tennessee"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/great-smoky-mountains-backpacking-gear-list","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Packing 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