I took a 5-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack. Here are 9 things I'm glad I packed, and 1 thing I wish I left behind.

Joey HaddenJul 23, 2023, 17:13 IST

A backpack was all Insider's reporter needed for a five-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.Joey Hadden/Insider

I recently traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains and packed just a backpack.
I was glad I brought layers, my camera, and a physical copy of a good book.

I usually travel with just a backpack.

From short trips to two-week adventures, I find it's easiest to get around and keep track of my belongings when I pack light. But my five-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in April was my first time backpacking in a natural environment, so I called in an expert's help.

I worked with capsule-wardrobe stylist Millie Bentley to pack as efficiently as possible. Bentley has been working as a designer and product developer for the last eight years at Aday, a capsule-wardrobe company that she says creates "minimalist wardrobes for maximal benefits."

Bentley helped me select the ideal attire for hiking, camping, and exploring nearby towns on foot with a rainy forecast, all while taking photos.

Looking back on it, I had everything I needed for this trip, thanks to my previous experiences and Bentley's suggestions. But there's one thing I barely used that I wish I left behind for this nature getaway: my iPad.

In April, I took a five-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack.

The author spent four nights in the Great Smoky Mountains.Joey Hadden/Insider

From toiletries to camera gear, I had everything I needed for my trip's activities, from hiking to camping. But looking back on it, I could have packed even lighter.

Everything the author packed for her five-day trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

One of the most important things I packed was a raincoat because, for the majority of my trip, it was pouring outside.

The author braces the rain.Joey Hadden/Insider

With rain and cool temperatures in the mornings and evenings, I was glad I brought layers that I could take off when it got warmer.

The author brought two jackets and a handful of other clothing items that could be layered.Joey Hadden/Insider

Since it was raining most of the time, packing layers made of thin, moisture-wicking materials that dried quickly made my trip easier.

The author's quick-dry shirts.Joey Hadden/Insider

When it came to toiletries, body wipes and a rag were essential for cleaning dirt off of my face and body after spending time outside. This especially came in handy when I went out to lunch directly after hiking or camping.

Wipes and a rag with the rest of the author's toiletries.Joey Hadden/Insider

When it came to toiletries, body wipes and a rag were essential for cleaning dirt off of my face and body after spending time outside. This especially came in handy when I went out to lunch directly after hiking or camping.

To keep myself hydrated, I brought a reusable water bottle. From campsites to surrounding towns, I had plenty of opportunities to refill it. Plus, I was able to keep track of how much water I was drinking.

The author's packed bag with a water bottle in the side pocket.Joey Hadden/Insider

To keep myself hydrated, I brought a reusable water bottle. From campsites to surrounding towns, I had plenty of opportunities to refill it. Plus, I was able to keep track of how much water I was drinking.

For shoes, I was glad I only packed one pair of water-resistant trainers. Since they were a neutral color, they matched every outfit.

The author brought neutral water-resistant trainers.Joey Hadden/Insider

The Great Smoky Mountains are unsurprisingly full of dramatic landscapes, so I thought my camera was worth making room for.

The author brought her camera and two lenses.Joey Hadden/Insider

I also found the natural scenes to be inspiring and thought-provoking, so bringing a journal was a smart move. By the end of the trip, it was nearly full.

The author's full journal after her trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

A really good paperback helped me unplug and avoid looking at screens during my trip. Getting lost in a physical copy of a book always helped me relax.

The author reads "Overland" by Richard Kaufmann in a tent while camping on her trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

But with nature all around me, I should have left my iPad behind. While it came in handy on the plane, I hardly used it otherwise.

The author was so immersed in nature that she barely used her iPad.Joey Hadden/Insider

During my trip, I was impressed with myself for having everything I needed. And next time I'm on a nature getaway, I'll leave the extra electronics behind.

The author stands in front of a smoky, mountain view on her trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I took a 5-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack. Here are 9 things I'm glad I packed, and 1 thing I wish I left behind.

In April, I took a five-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack.

From toiletries to camera gear, I had everything I needed for my trip's activities, from hiking to camping. But looking back on it, I could have packed even lighter.

One of the most important things I packed was a raincoat because, for the majority of my trip, it was pouring outside.

With rain and cool temperatures in the mornings and evenings, I was glad I brought layers that I could take off when it got warmer.

Since it was raining most of the time, packing layers made of thin, moisture-wicking materials that dried quickly made my trip easier.

When it came to toiletries, body wipes and a rag were essential for cleaning dirt off of my face and body after spending time outside. This especially came in handy when I went out to lunch directly after hiking or camping.

To keep myself hydrated, I brought a reusable water bottle. From campsites to surrounding towns, I had plenty of opportunities to refill it. Plus, I was able to keep track of how much water I was drinking.

For shoes, I was glad I only packed one pair of water-resistant trainers. Since they were a neutral color, they matched every outfit.

The Great Smoky Mountains are unsurprisingly full of dramatic landscapes, so I thought my camera was worth making room for.

I also found the natural scenes to be inspiring and thought-provoking, so bringing a journal was a smart move. By the end of the trip, it was nearly full.

A really good paperback helped me unplug and avoid looking at screens during my trip. Getting lost in a physical copy of a book always helped me relax.

But with nature all around me, I should have left my iPad behind. While it came in handy on the plane, I hardly used it otherwise.

During my trip, I was impressed with myself for having everything I needed. And next time I'm on a nature getaway, I'll leave the extra electronics behind.