North Carolina Packing List (24 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

Carrying water is crucial for anyone visiting anywhere in North Carolina. Whether traveling by vehicle or engaging in physical recreation outdoors, staying hydrated is important. These containers are great for keeping drinks cold or warm and fresh. They also easily clean and carry with their flexible bands on top.

👉 Helpful Hint: Personalize your water bottle with stickers collected from different areas of the state!

Sunscreen

Sun protection is undoubtedly necessary for visiting North Carolina, especially during warmer months. This hypoallergenic sunscreen supplies the ideal amount of cover with 50 SPF.

You’ll need it for any outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the mountains. The same applies when exploring the warmer Piedmont region, and spending time at the Outer Banks beaches. I’ve personally used this sunscreen for years!

Motion Sickness Medication

The curvy countryside roads throughout areas like the Blue Ridge Parkway and other parts of Western NC offer beautiful scenery but can cause discomfort for those prone to feelings of unease while traveling. To prevent yourself or others from experiencing distress, bring along some medicine to reduce motion sickness.

Hiking Daypack

If you plan on doing any hiking, biking, or camping, this durable and lightweight pack from Osprey is comfortable to use. It’s also favored by Travel Lemming! Day sacks are excellent for transporting water bottles, snacks, and other hiking essentials. They also allow you to freely explore places like the Blue Ridge Mountains while keeping your hands free.

📚 Associated Reading: Before arriving at the trail, take a look at Abigail’s Hiking Essentials Checklist, too!

Portable Charger

You`ll likely need your phone for navigation, guides, and photos. The last thing you want is a dead phone. Keep your peace of mind by packing a portable solar charger like this reliable model. It`s also very useful gear for camping trips!

Insect Repellent

North Carolina is home to various insects, and an undesirable insect encounter could potentially ruin your trip. Those located in Western NC specifically face threats like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease from tick bites. Other regions contain mosquitoes. To shield yourself, packing insect repellent is strongly advised.

Allergy Medication

Spring allergies in the South are truly troublesome. Throughout North Carolina, the pollen can get particularly bad, and ragweed is the primary culprit. Even as a North Carolina local, I am able to attest that spring allergies can ruin a good time. Take Zyrtec in the early morning, though, and you should be good to go. Just know you may feel a bit lethargic as the day progresses.

Granola Bars or Snacks

Wherever in the state your North Carolina vacation takes you, chances are adventure will fill your days. To prevent fatigue and, frankly, hunger, it`s wise to carry energy bars like these. Clif bars are a favorite of mine, available in many delicious flavors. They`re also organic and loaded with protein.

Umbrella

Rain in North Carolina frequently comes about, especially in summertime. Whether you’re road tripping, exploring a new city, or spending time in nature, it’s a good suggestion to hold a protecting device like this one convenient.”

Insulated Cooler Backpack

A portable cooler is essential for any summer outside gathering by the beach, lake, or park. It’s also vital for keeping foods and drinks cool and fresh, so one can stay hydrated. This packable cooler is a excellent choice because it`s simple to carry, insulated, and leakproof. It`s particularly useful if one needs to travel a distance to arrive at the destination.

Not certain what to pack in it? See my guide to the best cuisine from North Carolina!

First Aid Kit

Whether you spend your North Carolina vacation traversing towns on foot or trekking through nature`s landscapes, it`s advisable to keep a first aid kit close by. This compact first aid kit contains all the essentials like adhesive bandages and tweezers, as well as numerous other professionally-grade supplies.

Camera for Photography

The scenic beauty of North Carolina presents photographers with breathtaking vistas awaiting to be documented. For avid shutterbugs, the Nikon D850 digital camera is superb for landscape images and comes furnished with the necessary equipment. For those focused on video creation, the GoPro action camera excels at capturing activities like water sports, skiing, and more

👉 Acquire a Print Version of this List Here

Remote GPS

If you’re an individual planning expeditions on challenging, less traveled paths, a remote GPS can be useful. This one from Garmin has extended battery life, internal maps, and satellite positioning systems so you can have helping GPS while exploring nature. It also has 8 GB of storage for downloading additional maps.

Other North Carolina Essentials to Pack

• Valid ID
• Wallet 
• Cash
• Sunglasses 
• Face masks
• Quick-drying towels
• Aloe vera gel is helpful for sunburns.
• Speaker for music 
• Chapstick
• Personal toiletries
• Bandaids 
• Tote bag 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Cell phone and charger 
• Disinfectant wipes
• Flushable wipes
• Soap leaves for camping activities
• Floatation devices are useful at the beach.
• Other snacks

Clothing to Pack for North Carolina

North Carolina weather can be fairly mild, but you’ll always want to pack according to season. Pack typical clothing for spring, summer, fall, and winter. But always bring some layers that will allow you to cool off or get warm if the forecast fluctuates a bit.

Some essential items will include outdoor sandals for the summer, vests for the spring and fall, and a good, basic coat for the winter. North Carolinians dress quite casually. So, feel free to dress up a bit if that’s your style, but know it’s acceptable to keep it informal, too.

So, what apparel should you pack for North Carolina? Here is a quick clothing checklist for North Carolina:

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 pairs of pants
• 1 pair of dress pants
• 2-3 tops or shirts
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 2-3 swimsuits 
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 pairs of fitted pants or pants convertible to shorts
• 1-2 pairs of pajamas
• 1-2 sweatshirts or jackets 
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 winter coat
• 1 vest 
• 1 beach/lake coverup 
• 2-3 thermal base layers (for hiking)
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of waterproof outdoor sandals
• 1 pair of sneakers or hiking boots (depending)
• 5-6 pairs of undergarments
• Five to six pairs of socks consisting of regular socks and thicker hiking varieties
• Sunglasses
• Baseball hat or woollen headgear (depending on the season)

This list covers all the top clothing essentials you’ll need throughout the year. Below, I cover our top selections with specific recommendations that I, as a native of North Carolina, can attest to!

Rain Jacket

North Carolina’s summer rain storms are frequent and normal. Whether you’re at the beach or in the mountains, it’s wise to pack a rain covering for your trip. Columbia has some excellent alternatives for men, women, and children that are comfortable, breathable, and come in several hues and styles.

Outdoor Sandals

Chacos are a tried and tested favorite shoe choice for many in Northern Carolina for outdoor activities. The adjustable Z-style strap allows for an easy fit as well as the ability to take them on and off with convenience. They’re relaxed, durable, and water-resistant—ideal attire for any expedition into nature! In fact, I’ve owned my own pair for seven changing seasons and they’re still in good condition.

Hiking Shoes

North of Rome’s historic center lies Villa Borghese, the city’s central public green space. This park provides a pleasant respite and houses several outstanding art galleries, including the renowned Borghese Gallery ( advance booking is required), Villa Medici, and Museo Carlo Bilotti. On the park’s northern edge is the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, which showcases precious artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization. The park’s Terrazza Viale del Belvedere offers great perspectives of the historic center, the Vatican, and Piazza del Popolo.

Bathing Suit

North Carolina offers many water attractions from lakes and beaches to hot springs and water parks no matter where in the state you are. Be prepared by bringing a bathing suit that makes you feel at ease and confident.

Convertible Hiking Pants

Convertible hiking pants are a terrific choice to pack for any outdoor experience, particularly if you’re doing activities in Asheville and the surrounding mountain areas. At high altitudes, temperatures are cooler, so having the option to switch from pants to shorts with a basic zip is extremely convenient. These pants for men and women are a comfortable cargo design and even furnish sun protection.

Sweatshirt or Pullover

There is nothing quite like a cozy hoodie or pullover to slip on after a lengthy day of travel and adventure. No matter the season or place, temperatures tend to decrease a bit at the end of the day. To be prepared, pack a cozy sweatshirt like this one.

Wool Socks

As key accessories that aid in outdoor recreation, footwear is sometimes neglected, but other essential gear like socks should not be. If hiking plans are being made, I strongly suggest investing in Smartwool socks. They absorb moisture well while also wicking it away, keeping feet from overheating or getting too cold. Thickness options allow for varying weather conditions during trips as well.

Vest

During the transitional periods of spring and autumn, vests provide warm yet flexible layering when temperatures fluctuate. On slightly cool days, donning a vest will keep one`s core warm without causing excess heat as motion occurs.

Whether exploring the cities or outdoors of North Carolina, jeans and tees prove convenient ensembles.

Base Layers

If you plan to explore Western North Carolina during the fall and winter months, you may want to consider packing some thermal undergarments to be worn underneath your outerwear. These innermost layers of clothing undergarments from Smartwool are a preferred choice as they are incredibly comfortable and suitable for chilly conditions. The fabric is also lightweight, making them ideal for wear independently as protection against cooler weather.

Baseball Cap