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A composite image of a white sheet behind everything the author packed: toiletries, books, clothing and tech gear, and the author smiling in front of a mountain on a foggy day
A backpack was all Business Insider's reporter needed for a five-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

  • 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.
A white sheet behind everything the author packed, The top row shows toiletries, books, and tech gear. The bottom row has A vertical line of folded blue and black clothing

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
The author braces the rain.
The author braces the rain.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
From left to right: and a row of two rolled-up shirts and two fold-up long sleeve layers that are gray, black, navy blue folded teal pants, folded black pants, a folded blue and yellow t shirt, folded gray leggings, and a stack of four pairs of blue and black socks, a light blue tank top, and five pairs of dark-colored underwear, all on a white sheet
The author brought two jackets.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
A white background with a black packagee of body wipes, a white scrunchy, a white electric toothbrush, a pink rag, a black and white striped sweatband, and a white package of laundry sheets.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
Two photos of a person with a blue-collared shirt behind a black Patagonia backpack. In the left image, the author's hand slides an orange bottle into thee left pocket of the backpack. In the right image, she holds a thumbs up.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
Left image: the author's hand at the top of the image holds a black pair of shoes facing the camera head-on in front of a bed with a white sheet and clothes on top. Right image: Left image: the author's hand at the top of the image holds a black pair of shoes turned sideways in front of a bed with a white sheet and clothes on top.
The author brought neutral water resistant trainers

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
Arial view of a black camera and a detached black lens on a white sheet.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
An open notebook with written words, a red book mark, and a red pen on top sits on top of a yellow and gray rug with a geometric pattern

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
The author in bed with a window above her wears a navy cardigan and a red book opened in front of her face

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
Left image: a white iPad with Procreate open and a tile of artwork made in the app. Right image: A grassy meadow with a circle of dark green chairs around a fire pit with trees in the backgound.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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.
The author in a blue polo standing on the patio with the black fence and mountains and trees in the background. There's a wooden pillar on the left side at the fence's corner. The sky is gray and hazy.
The author stands in front of the mountain view from the balcony.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And next time I'm on a nature getaway, I'll leave the extra electronics behind.

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I spent 5 days in the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack. Here are 9 it…