Planning a vacation to the Smoky Mountains? You might be thinking it is not worth shopping beforehand, but we found a few things that just make sense to pick up ahead of time. Whether you are staying in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or somewhere nearby, tourist towns are pricey and there are better things to spend money on than essentials we could bring for half the price. Some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you.
5. Deep Woods Off
In the evenings, mosquitoes are absolutely vicious, and if you are hiking to waterfalls or anywhere with standing water, they can strike at any time. Despite what your friends who swear by Skin So Soft might say, DEET is the only substance scientifically tested to work effectively against these pests. If you are flying, aerosols are not permitted in luggage, so pack the spray bottle type.
4. Backpack with hydration system
Whether you are planning a short hike or a full-day adventure, a backpack with a built-in hydration system keeps water easy to reach without stopping every ten minutes. We like the middle ground: enough water to be useful, not so much that the weight is a problem. A little extra space for a wallet and a few granola bars is a bonus.
Alternative: insulated cooler backpack. For those who want to combine hydration with cold drinks and snacks, a cooler backpack is an excellent option. These come with insulated compartments to keep beverages cold and snacks fresh, making them ideal for a picnic in the Smokies.
3. Insulated water bottle
An insulated water bottle keeps your drinks cold for hours, which matters on warm summer days in Gatlinburg. We would bring one per person if we had the space.
Alternative: road trip cooler. If you are driving to the Smokies, a proper cooler in the car keeps drinks and snacks cold for the whole trip and saves on gas station stops.
2. Cooling towels
Cooling towels are a simple way to beat the heat on hikes, at outdoor events, or just strolling through town. They are lightweight and pack small.
Pro tip: Put them in your cooler backpack with the ice. Game changer.
1. Sunscreen you will actually reapply
We keep coming back to Sheer Touch sunscreen because it feels lighter than most options. On a day where you are sweating and reapplying, that matters.
Our bottom line
The Smoky Mountains are best enjoyed when you are comfortable on the trail and not overpaying in tourist shops. A few items packed from home make the whole trip easier.
If you are building out a summer travel kit, our Hershey Park summer tips cover the theme-park version of heat management, and our Costa Rica packing list goes deeper on bugs, humidity, and wet-weather gear.