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.
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