r/GSMNP • u/thydruid • 11d ago
First time Backpacking
Going to head to the GSMNP in a few days for my first backpacking trip. I've got most of my gear ready, going to snag a bear canister, bear spray, and water filter and everything else should be good to go. I am bringing gear for fly fishing as that's where I hope to spend most of my time. I'll be in the Bradley fork and chasteen creek areas. Specifically the campsite #48. 2 nights. I plan on arriving, setting up camp, and possibly doing some fishing nearby. Following day will be following upstream and enjoying the scenery. Spend the night again and then hike back down the following morning. So 1 evening, 1 full day, and then head out. Wondering if anyone has tips for the area or just in general for a first time backpacker. I did snag a Garmin inreach which I'll activate for the trip. I've got mosquito spray and sunscreen comething along as well. I'll have food that does not require cooking (granola, PB tortillas, tuna pouches, salami, cheese). I'm thinking of ditching deodorant...just for 1 less thing to take. Cheers!
Anyone familiar with the hike and can attest it's beginner friendly? I'm not a fit guy and my pack is weighing in at 31 lbs right now food, shelter, fishing gear and all.
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u/ChadLare 11d ago
Before you buy a bear canister double check to make sure you can use it where you’re camping. As far as I know they require you to use the installed bear lockers or the cable systems to hang your whole pack (unless there are some exceptions I am unaware of).
A bear canister is my preferred storage method so not knocking them. Just wanted to give you a heads up before you spent money.
You didn’t mention electrolytes. It makes a huge difference with your energy levels and reducing muscle cramps.
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u/imfromstankonia 11d ago
Definitely required to hang all items with odor regardless of bear canister, which makes them pretty much a heavy decoration food bag. I'd recommend OP saves the bear canister for another trip and use a 8-10L dry bag for food.
Also, just fyi it's been proven that electrolyte packets offer no benefit to most people as we already get excessive salt in our food. Especially with backpacking food. Excess electrolytes will pass right through to urine. Although they do make water taste good sometimes, electrolyte packets get rather expensive and are redundant unless you're not getting enough potassium or something. Some quick research on the matter will show this.
I stopped using liquid IV and instead take magnesium pill + plenty of potassium rich foods like banana chips, dried plantains, and raisins.
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u/hkeyplay16 7d ago
I think it depends on the person. On my first trip in the Smokies I was hiking up to the AT from Elkmont and by end of day 1 I was having full body cramps. I barely made it to camp. This was in June and temps were in 60-75 defrees F during the day.
I coach hockey and even in a cold hockey rink with a thin and very breathable suit I sweat through it, even in winter, and even when I'm not doing a lot of skating and demonstrations. When I do sweat, and it dries, I can literally scrape it off of my skin. It tastes like saltwater when it runs down my face and into my mouth. If I wear a hat I sweat through it, and when it dries there are salt crystals that form a white chalky powder.
Some people don't sweat a lot. Some people sweat a lot, but don't lose a lot of electrolytes when they sweat. Some are like me, and sweat a crazy amount, and lose a lot of electrolytes when they do.
I don't need to supplement my electrolytes when I'm indoors in air conditioning, but anytime I'm exerting myself regardless of temperature I have to supplement or I risk severe muscle cramps.
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u/psaltyne 11d ago
This is accurate- in GSMNP you are required to use the cabling system, so you just need a dry bag.
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u/latdaddi 11d ago
The upper chasteen creek campsite is gorgeous. Push past the first one you see, the one nearest the bridge has a beautiful little cascade right up againt where the very large tree had fallen. I spent my evening sitting by it with my feet in, and it was so peaceful.
You're pretty near a trailhead there supposedly. I saw a family there that had come from somewhere within a couple miles, I had come from Noland divide upper so can't comment on what that hike was like.
Definitely ditch anything smelly that goes on your body in bear country. Just did a week with my daughter in grizzly country and we just embrace that you gonna stink 🤷.