- I traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains in 2023 and packed just a backpack.
- I was glad I brought layers, my camera, and a physical copy of a good book.
- I wish I had left my iPad behind.
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 2023 was my first time backpacking in a natural environment, so I called in an expert's help.
I worked with Millie Bentley, a capsule-wardrobe stylist, to pack as efficiently as possible.
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, 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 had left behind for this nature getaway: my iPad.
In April 2023, 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. Looking back, though, 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.
I wore a light puffer jacket under a hard-shell raincoat with a large, adjustable hood and Velcro straps to cinch the sleeves at my wrists, keeping my inner layers dry.
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.
From my face to my fingers, my skin was coated in dirt after spending time in nature.
These items especially came in handy when I went out to eat after hiking, camping, or being out in the rain.
To keep myself hydrated, I brought a reusable water bottle.
I had plenty of opportunities to refill it at campsites and in nearby towns. 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.
I wore black trainers because they go with every outfit.
The Great Smoky Mountains are unsurprisingly full of dramatic landscapes, so I thought my camera was worth making room for.
I took hundreds of photos documenting my whole trip, from waking up in a cozy cabin to falling asleep at a glamping resort.
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, my journal was nearly full of scene descriptions, anecdotes, and lessons learned.
A really good paperback helped me unplug and avoid screen time during my trip.
Getting lost in a physical book always helps me relax. I brought a book about travel to keep me excited about my adventures.
But with nature all around me, I should have left my iPad behind.
While it came in handy on the plane, I hardly used my iPad 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.
