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 Hadden
- 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.
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.
Source: Gatlinburg Sustainability
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.
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