What to Pack for an Overnight Hike: Winding Stair Gap to Wine Spring

A 17-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail past Siler Bald and Wayah Gap, two hours from Woodstock and about two and a half from Atlanta. Everything three of us carried, what we used, and what we wished we had.

What to pack for an overnight hike: the short answer

For an overnight hike you'll need a 40 to 50 liter backpack, shelter, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a pillow, water filtration and two liters of capacity, one dinner, one breakfast, mixed carb and protein snacks, a stove, a flashlight or headlamp, a first-aid kit, a rain poncho, a long-sleeve shirt for warmth, and a map of the area. Aim for a total pack weight under 25 pounds. I tested this list last weekend with two friends on a 17-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail from Winding Stair Gap to Wine Spring, just short of Wayah Bald near Franklin, NC. The trailhead is about two and a half hours north of Atlanta. Day one climbed 2,540 feet and descended 1,000 feet over 8.5 miles to reach camp at 5,286 feet. The overnight low was 66°F.

Why this hike: a warmup for the North Georgia Loop

This hike was intended as a warmup for the North Georgia Loop (NGL). A lot of people don't associate steep mountains with Georgia, but the NGL is no joke. Before attempting a five- or six-day hike with a full load, it's best to make sure the necessary parts are working. At 58 years old (me), with two friends who are 62 and 64, there is a real need to know our fitness level for steep ascents and descents with a 30-pound pack over 10 miles a day. This past weekend's hike is a close match for that level of difficulty, and there is no better preparation than getting out there and experiencing the climb: rocks, roots, and all.

Trip at a glance

All distances, elevations, times, and daytime temperatures below come from the Day 1 GPS track (Walkmeter, barometric altimeter).

• Trail: Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, NC
• Route: Out and back, Winding Stair Gap to Wine Spring and return
• Trailhead: Winding Stair Gap, US 64 west of Franklin, NC (3,747 ft), parking at the gap
• Turnaround / camp: Wine Spring campsite, just below Wine Spring Bald (5,286 ft)
• Date: Friday, September 18 to Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Drive from home: 2 hours from Woodstock, GA (about 2.5 from Atlanta)
• Shuttle: None needed, cars stay at the trailhead
• Nearest town: Franklin, NC
• Group size: 3
• Day 1: 8.5 miles northbound, +2,540 ft / −1,000 ft, 8:26 AM to 4:54 PM (8 h 27 min with stops)
• Day 2: 8.5 miles southbound, +1,000 ft / −2,540 ft, [FILL IN: start and finish times]
• Total: 17 miles, about 3,540 ft of climbing and 3,540 ft of descent
• Landmarks: Siler Bald Shelter turnoff (mile 3.4), Siler Bald field (mile 4.5, summit spur not taken), Wayah Gap / Wayah Crest picnic area (mile 6.3), Wine Spring (mile 8.5)
• Low / high point: 3,747 ft at the trailhead / 5,296 ft on the trail below Wine Spring Bald
• Daytime temps (Day 1): 67°F at the 8:26 AM start, peaked at 80°F at 2 PM
• Overnight low: 66°F
• Water sources: Winding Stair Gap trailhead (north side of US 64), a small spring about half a mile before Wayah Crest, Wine Spring at camp
• Pack weight, empty: 3 lb 9 oz (including cap cover and rain cover)
• Pack weight, fully loaded: 25.5 lb

Getting there from Atlanta

Winding Stair Gap is about two and a half hours north of Atlanta and two hours from Woodstock. The trailhead parking is at the gap on US 64, about 10 miles west of Franklin, NC. Because this is an out-and-back, no shuttle or second car is needed; you park, hike, camp, and hike back to your car.

From Woodstock I take I-575 and GA-515 up through Blue Ridge, then over to Blairsville and Young Harris. The last stretch of two-lane between Blairsville and Young Harris is under four-lane construction right now, so take care there. If you need a sugar fix, stop at Grinds and Glazes in Blairsville. Your last chance for groceries or supplies of any kind is in Hayesville, at one of the nicest Ingles I've seen. From there it's over the mountain to the trailhead.

There's room for 15 to 20 cars at the trailhead. On the Friday morning we went, there were only four parked cars, including mine. No fee or permit is required.

Everything I packed

• Shelter: Solo tent for a friend; tarp and mosquito netting for myself
• Sleep: Sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT sleeping pad, and a closed-cell foam pad
• Clothing: Jockey knee-length underwear (similar to bike shorts), 3 pairs of socks, 2 long-sleeve shirts (one UV polyester, one cotton), spare quick-dry shorts
• Food and water: Four packs of instant oatmeal, two packs of instant soup, four protein bars, two packs of energy/electrolyte gummies, instant coffee, stevia, and three baggies prepped with protein powder, electrolytes, and amino post-workout powder (mix with water); one 1-liter bottle, 3-liter gravity bag, LifeStraw filter
• Cooking: Stove, mess kit, extra pot for boiling water, bamboo spoon, matches
• Navigation: Camping.Tools Trail Finder (prototype): detailed topo maps of the area with GPS location and the mapped trail. Until we come out with our app, use AllTrails or Gaya.
• Safety and first aid: Self-assembled first-aid kit with bandages, Polysporin, shears, tourniquet, moleskin, and an ankle brace
• Comfort: Camp chair, Dead Down Wind field wash cloths, bug repellent wipes, flashlight, tissues, nylon string, rain poncho

The trail, section by section

Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald (miles 0 to 4.5)

This section climbs about 1,150 feet in 4.5 miles, from 3,747 feet at the gap to about 4,900 feet at the Siler Bald field, with no reliable water after the trailhead. It took us just over four hours.

True to the name, the opening stretch went up, for a little over four miles from the trailhead to Siler Bald. There was a good flow of water right at the trailhead on the north side of US 64. I was carrying a liter of water and expected to refill along the way, but the season has been dry and there was no other water source until we were much closer to Wayah Crest. In hindsight, I should have filled another liter at the start.

The first mile was an opening burner on the thighs, with a brief reward of a flat stretch as the sound of highway traffic faded away. In no time we were heading up again. Walking sticks, or a staff (my choice), are a must. When the legs get tired, mistakes are made, and on this portion the trail was all uphill. You rely on the sticks for stability and control, and that gets tested early with steep drops, roots, and rocks.

Siler Bald to Wayah Gap (miles 4.5 to 6.3)

This section drops about 700 feet in under two miles to the road crossing at Wayah Gap (4,209 ft), where the Wayah Crest picnic area has tables. The only water between the trailhead and camp is a small spring about half a mile before the gap.

The walk into the field at the base of Siler Bald is a welcome relief. The ascent to this spot was over 1,100 feet. I've been to the top of Siler Bald on a separate hike and recommend that everyone who passes take in the view at least once. But having walked upward for hours at this point, I was all too eager to start heading down again and chose not to go up to the peak. Just beyond the field, where the woods begin, there is an old fallen tree, a perfect spot to unload the pack and sit for lunch.

Be sure to have enough water at this stage, because the next opportunity to refill is another mile or so down the other side. Again, the walking sticks rewarded the hiker over the now-abundant roots, and the descent burns a different muscle group. There is a small run of spring water about half a mile before the end of this section. If you're out of water at this point, or low, fill up now. Then take a rest at the tables at Wayah Crest. You'll need the strength for the final climb. We stopped at Wayah Gap for a snack, where there are cement pick-nic tables and again, ample parking.

Wayah Gap to Wine Spring (miles 6.3 to 8.5)

The final 2.2 miles climb about 1,080 feet from Wayah Gap to the campsite at Wine Spring (5,286 ft). We started it at 2:15 PM in 79°F heat and reached camp at 4:54 PM.

Six miles in, the legs and feet are tired. Good shoes have earned their price. The shoulders burn, and a comfortable backpack is a proven treasure at this stage; shifting the weight of the pack from the hips to the shoulders and back gives a break to whichever muscles need it. On this trip I used the Walkmeter app to record the stats, and it worked well even with no cell signal. I also used a proof-of-concept app of our own making, called Trail Finder, designed for high-resolution maps and offline use. It was useful for keeping morale high, since we could see the end of the trail, and for judging the most likely location of water.

This segment, while shorter than the others, came at the end of a long day with an ascent as steep as anything before it. It was nothing short of brutal for three men who are capable but no longer athletes.

The night at Wine Spring

We arrived at camp to flowing water and ample room. There are two fire rings, and each site will easily hold three or four solo tents. After a hot meal I thoroughly enjoyed the Therm-a-Rest mattress on top of the foam pad. I've found that the cheap foam pad is essential: it keeps the mattress from sliding around and gives an extra buffer from the ground. At 66 degrees, the tarp with mosquito netting was perfect, and for the little warmth I needed I unzipped my sleeping bag and used it as a blanket for a most comfortable night's rest.

There was no fire at night as we were too tired and opted for an early sleep. A cool breeze wafted about al night and made for perfect comfort in temperature. We saw a few flashes of lightning in the distance and expected the worst, but got lucky with no rainfall.

Day 2: back to Winding Stair Gap

The return is the same 8.5 miles in reverse: about 1,000 feet of climbing and 2,540 feet of descent, most of it in the final 4.5 miles from Siler Bald down to the gap. Knowing that we were headed home at the end of the day, we decided to lounge around camp, have an extra cup of coffee, and leave later in morning. We all filled our water bladders in the spring (lesson learned), and headed back down the same path we came up but at a quicker pace.

The verdict: used, didn't use, wished I had

What I used

Backpack, food, water gravity bag and filter, tarp and mosquito netting, mess kit and small pot, spool of nylon twine, matches, stove, chair, Dead Down Wind field wash cloth, sleeping bag, walking staff.

What I didn't use

First-aid kit (thankfully), ankle brace, rain poncho, moleskin, flashlight.

What I wished I had

The adapter fitting for the water gravity bag (left at home), and a second liter of water from the trailhead.

I really wished I had my pillow. I forgot to bring a small inflatable pillow, and it was sorely missed.

I was surprised that I didn't eat all of my food. I intentionally packed light, but was satisfied with the protein powder and oatmeal. The protein bars made a welcome snack, but I was never really hungry. I'm thankful not to have needed the first-aid kit, but leaving it behind is not an option. Easily the most disappointing moment was realizing I'd forgotten the adapter for the water filtration system. I got water through the filter, but not without a struggle, while tired and thirsty.

My biggest surprise was that I didn't use my flashlight. I never expected to be so tired that I would go to bed before dark.

What three people should share vs. carry individually

I can see where a four or five day trip could take advantage of sharing the load. For example, we really only needed one stove and fewer cook pans. Even thought they are light, it's something we could have left behind.

The overnight hike packing list

The revised list after this trip. Drafted from what you carried plus the two lessons learned;

• Backpack, 40 to 50 liters, with rain cover
• Shelter: tent, or tarp with mosquito netting
• Sleeping bag rated for the forecast low
• Inflatable sleeping pad plus a closed-cell foam pad underneath
• Pillow!!!
• Water: 2 liters of capacity minimum, filled at the trailhead; gravity bag and filter, with every adapter checked before you leave
• Food: one dinner, one breakfast, snacks with a mix of carbs and protein, coffee
• Stove, pot, spoon, matches or lighter
• Headlamp or flashlight
• First-aid kit: bandages, antibiotic ointment, shears, tourniquet, moleskin
• Rain poncho
• Long-sleeve shirt for warmth, spare socks, spare shorts
• Map of the area, with an offline backup on your phone
• Walking sticks or a staff
• Nylon twine, wash cloths, bug wipes, tissues
• Camp chair (optional, worth the weight)

Below 40°F, add an insulating layer, a warm hat, and a warmer bag. With no reliable water on the route, carry 3 liters. Solo, add a satellite messenger.

FAQ

How heavy should a pack be for an overnight hike?

Keep the pack light and aim for under 25 pounds fully loaded. Mine was 25.1 pounds at the trailhead, including food and a liter of water, and the weight becomes real on the trail.

What size backpack do I need for one night?

A 40- to 50-liter pack is the right size for one night. I carried the Camping.Tools Adventurer Backpack, Founder's Edition, at 48 liters; it holds everything you need without the extra space that invites overpacking. (Disclosure: this is our own product, see the note at the end.)

How much water should I carry?

With daytime temperatures near 80°F, carry no less than two liters. There are springs along this route, but they are spaced far enough apart, especially in a dry season, to make the trip hard without them. On this hike the only water between the trailhead and camp was a small spring about half a mile before Wayah Crest.

How much food for one night?

Plan on 2,000 to 2,500 calories with a good mix of carbs and protein: one dinner, one breakfast, and snacks. I packed light and still came home with food. The Walkmeter app said I burned 1,600 calories, but it was not factoring in the 30 lb pack. It felt more like a 3,500 calorie burn.

What do beginners most often overpack?

Food and clothing. You will sweat, and your clothes will be wet if worn, but you will not change more than once, so bring only enough.

Do I need a stove for one night?

I recommend one. There is nothing more soothing than a warm meal at the end of a long, hard hike. And coffee in the morning... so good.

Is there a good overnight backpacking trip near Atlanta?

Yes. Winding Stair Gap to Wine Spring on the Appalachian Trail is about two and a half hours north of Atlanta, needs no shuttle, and reaches elevations higher than any summit in Georgia.

About the author and the trip

I've done a fair amount of hiking and backpacking. I was a scout leader for eight years and saw two sons through the ranks to Eagle. But it's been ten years or so since I've been on those trails. Since then I've spent many hours of chair time in an IT career, and there is much to be said for the phrase "if you don't use it, you lose it." At 58, as of September 2026, my old body parts seem to go downhill fast. This was a great trip, though tough on the feet, back, and shoulders. It's a reminder that you have to stay active, and after a good workout you feel the reward, both mentally and physically.

There was also a lot to see along the way. Most of western North Carolina is a temperate rain forest, full of cool creatures like salamanders, frogs, centipedes, and some dancing white bugs that I'm guessing were a type of aphid. There's a good chance you'll get wet too, so bring that poncho.

My renewed interest in backpacking is a way to get back to the outdoors. The Camping.Tools website and app are how I combine my career interests with my hobby.

Trip date: September 18 to 19, 2026. Last updated: September 22, 2026.

Gear disclosure: I founded Camping.Tools. The Adventurer Backpack and the Trail Finder app mentioned here are ours; everything else on the list I bought at retail. No other brand paid for or provided anything.

This is an original story, 98%. I did use Claude AI for copy editing.