The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re part of a guided group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide. REI also offers guided adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains.
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 Ten Essentials article.
Equipment
- Backpack and raincover
- Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (15° – 29°; suitable for wet weather)
- Sleeping pad
- Whistle plus signaling mirror
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Knife or multi-tool
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Map(s) and route description or guidebook
- Trekking poles (optional)
- LED headlamp with extra batteries
- Water treatment system and backup
- Stove, fuel and repair kit
- Matches or lighter
- Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
- Bear canister (for trips extending beyond park borders)
- Repair kits; duct tape strips
- Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
Clothing and Footwear
- Wicking, quick-drying underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
- Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt
- Quick-drying pants (for added tick protection) or shorts
- Fleece jacket or vest, or insulated jacket or vest
- Fleece pants
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Bandana or Buff
- Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
- Winter hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters (for added tick protection)
- Sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp)
- Swimwear (optional)
Personal Items
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles (3) or hydration reservoirs
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Women’s hygiene items
- Personal wipes
- Plastic zip-lock bags
- Insect repellent (effective on ticks and biting midges and gnats)
- Tick-removal tool (optional)
- Bear spray (optional)
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
- Quick-drying towel
- Camera or helmet cam and extra memory cards (all optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Cell phone (don’t rely on service)
- Satellite messenger or PLB (optional)
- Portable power device (optional)
- Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)
- Outdoor journal, pen and reading material (optional)
- Backcountry permit
- Fishing gear and permit (optional)
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat
Food
Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip.
- Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
- Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
- Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
- Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Energy gels
- Energy bars
- Electrolyte replacement drink mix
- Extra day’s supply of food
REI Adventures Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trips
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking—Appalachian Trail
Great Smoky Mountains Family Adventure