Hey folks, so, I’ve been out of the hiking game for a bit, but I’m planning a long weekend trip to the Smokies. Back in the day, I used to rock some old-school gear—like, I’m talking a hand-me-down external frame pack and boots that weighed a ton. 
Now that I’m getting back into it, I figure it’s time for an upgrade. What are you all using these days for a 3-day trek? Looking for something that won’t break the bank but will keep me comfy and dry.
Welcome back to the trails dude… If you’re upgrading, definitely look into lightweight gear. I switched to an Osprey Exos pack a while ago, way lighter than my old pack, but still has enough space for everything I need. Also, consider trail runners instead of heavy boots. They dry faster and are easier on the feet over long distances.
I actually still use an external frame pack sometimes, believe it or not. There’s something about that old-school vibe, but I did update the straps and added some padding. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you could always modernize what you’ve got instead of going all-in on new stuff. Just throwing it out there—sometimes the best gear is the stuff you already know and love
I’ve got to disagree a bit with @SummitSpirit —Osprey packs are fine, but I find them a bit overrated. I’ve been using a Deuter ACT Lite for a couple of years now, and it’s been fantastic. Super comfy, even when fully loaded, and the ventilation is great for those hot summer hikes. Also, if you’re hitting the Smokies, don’t forget a good rain jacket. It can get pretty wet up there…
You gotta have good socks and poles. I swear by Darn Tough socks—worth every penny. And if you’ve never used trekking poles before, now’s the time to start. They take so much strain off your knees, especially on those long downhill sections. Plus, they’re handy for testing out muddy or slippery patches.
If you’re really looking to upgrade, consider going ultralight. I’ve been on the ultralight kick for a while now, and it makes a world of difference, especially on a multi-day hike. Think about getting a single-wall tent like the one below, a quilt instead of a sleeping bag, and maybe even cutting down on the amount of stuff you bring. Less weight, more miles, more fun.
I’m also all for that lightweight gear, but don’t go too crazy with it. Some of that ultralight stuff can be pretty fragile. I had an ultralight tent rip on me in a strong wind, and it wasn’t a fun night. 
My advice? Look for gear that balances weight with durability. The last thing you want is for your stuff to fail in the middle of nowhere.
Everyone’s got awesome gear suggestions, but I’m here to remind you not to skimp on the snacks😂 Seriously though, having a good mix of energy-dense snacks can make a huge difference on the trail. I always pack a mix of trail mix, jerky, and some chocolate for when I need a quick boost. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, those little gummy bears are a fun treat to look forward to after a long day.