If you’re hiking just for a few hours during the day or overnight, there are some essential items you should pack. You don’t want to be without important items, especially when you’re out in the backcountry. Here are the top 10 things to bring on a hike in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Water
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things about hiking in the mountains. Since you’ll be climbing mountains, you’ll sweat and need to replenish the liquids you’re losing. Plus, without the right amount of water, your body won’t perform like it should. Bring a few water bottles to ensure you have enough for your day hike.
2. Food
You want to make sure you are energized and ready for the hike ahead. Even if you eat before you start hiking, you could get lost, get injured, or take longer than you thought. Bring nuts, dried fruit, jerky, or energy bars.
3. First Aid Kit
Anything can happen while you’re walking through a creek, over rocks, and climbing up steep terrain. You should always pack a first aid kit with all the essential items so you can take care of injuries until you’re out of the woods.
4. Proper Clothing
One of the things to bring on a hike is the proper clothing. Boots or shoes that can handle the terrain in the mountains are the most important thing. Because anything can happen, you should pack an extra outfit. Even during the warm months, you should also pack a jacket in case of temperature drops.
5. Cell Phone
While cell phone reception is spotty in the Smokies, you should bring yours anyway. You never know when you might need it, and you can always try to get reception if you need it.
6. Wallet
You may think you don’t need your wallet in the backcountry, but you never know when you’ll need to purchase something. It’s also good if you keep identification on you.
7. Multi-Tool
Since a multi-tool has just about everything you could need, you should definitely bring it along. You never know when you’ll need to cut something, repair glasses, remove splinters, and more. 
8. Map and Compass
One of the most important things to bring on a hike, even if you’re just going for a day, is a map and a compass. You can use these tools to figure out where you are and how much farther you have to go. Plus, using a map and a compass can be used to get help if you’re ever lost or in need of something.
9. Sunscreen
Even if it’s cloudy out, you’ll want to bring sunscreen. You’ll want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, keeping you healthy.
10. Bug Spray
Especially during the summer and fall, bugs are rampant in the Smoky Mountains. Bring bug spray with you to prevent bug bites and keep yourself comfortable.
You’ll want to pack all of these things to bring on a hike. Of course, you’ll need some kind of pack or backpack to carry all these items in, making it easy to take with you on your hike. Now you know what you should bring, but do you know how to stay safe while you’re out? Check out these 9 safety tips for when you’re hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
