Gear That we Will Provide...
- Shelter (primitive shelters or tents if shelter space is unavailable)
Backpacking Gear
- Backpack (Different sizes available)
Pack cover – waterproof
- Sleeping bag (rated at 20-25 degrees F)
Gear YOU Need to Provide...
Outerwear
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
Clothing
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) no jeans!
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
- Bandana liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear
- Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in, should rise above ankle
Travel Accessories
- Lunch items for each day (easily packable, non-perishable items, such as trail mix and energy bars as well as real foods like bagels and cheese, jerky, etc.)
- Three 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Plastic bowl, spoon, travel mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock, (small amount—not the whole bottle), min SPF 25
- lip balm (unscented)
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (small)
- Head net for mosquitoes, especially in July
- Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
- Pack towel and/or washcloth
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
- Bic lighter
- Travel size wet-wipes
- Orange plastic trowel
- TP system: toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 Ziploc quart baggie & 1 Ziploc gallon baggie and orange plastic trowel
- 1 large plastic garbage can bag
Optional Field Gear… think weight!
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Pocket knife or small multi-tool
- Map: Trails Illustrated Great Smoky Mountains
- Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
- Camera and film- think weight