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If you’re heading to the beautiful Red River Gorge for some outdoor fun, you’ll need to make sure your packing list is full of functional and adventure-ready gear. Take a look at the essentials you’ll need!

Red River Gorge Packing List

One of the most beautiful hidden gems in the USA, the Red River Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, whether you’re into leisurely strolls and birdwatching or action-packed rock climbing and canoeing. While famous for climbing and hiking, there is SO much to do in this lovely area!

I fell in love with this area a few years ago and even made a wish to one day own my own cabin there – and my wish came true! My newest vacation rental is in the Red River Gorge!

Having the best time in Red River Gorge and dreaming of cozy cabins!

If you’re planning a trip to Kentucky, take a look at everything you’ll need to enjoy the Red River Gorge to the fullest.

What to Wear in the Red River Gorge

Athleta Momentum Seamless Tank | Sizes XXS-3X

Breathable Tops

When exploring Red River Gorge, you’ll want a lightweight, cooling, supportive, and durable top. A sporty tank top is a great option if you’re traveling in the warmer months.

This Athleta Momentum tank top is designed for high-impact activities and is incredibly comfortable. Plus, it’s highly breathable and has UPF 40 sun protection, so it’s a great pick for hot, sunny days!

Depending on the time of year, bring a few short-sleeve or long-sleeve t-shirts, too. Simple tees are great staples that will work for any adventure!

We’ve rounded up our readers’ top recommendations for the best women’s travel shirts!

Eddie Bauer Mountain Ripstop Long-Sleeve Shirt | Sizes XS-3X

Whether you’re heading out for a brisk morning hike or just want some extra sun protection, a long sleeve hiking shirt is another smart item to pack. They’ll be the perfect lightweight layer when you feel a chilly breeze, but they won’t feel stifling in the heat, either!

I became a fan of the Eddie Bauer Ripstop shirt immediately! It’s such a versatile piece that’s perfect for ALL outdoor excursions because it’s moisture-wicking and has UPF 50+ sun protection. Plus, I can cinch the sleeves if I don’t want to cover my arms. I’ve also worn it for sightseeing or as a beach cover-up.

Love the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings and might call them the best leggings for hiking – I tried them out during my first visit to the Red River Gorge!

Durable Bottoms

Because you’ll likely be doing some rigorous activities in Red River Gorge, choose pants that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.

Leggings are perfect for virtually any activity and can be styled in so many different ways. They’re an easy and versatile basic that you’ll definitely be reaching for throughout your trip!

Keep in mind that if you’re doing things like hiking and climbing, you’ll need a pair of leggings that will protect you from scrapes and scratches, like these Eddie Bauer Trail Tight leggings.

This is a reader fave for rugged adventures, offering odor control and UPF 50+ sun protection. I particularly love the 3 pockets to store my small items (2 cargo, 1 zip vertical). And they come in a wide range of sizes. If you want an alternative option, It can get warm enough in summer that you could consider hiking shorts, too! It depends on what activities you have planned.

Well-traveled TFG readers have given their recommendations for the best women’s quick dry pants for travel!

Athleta Trekkie North High Rise Jogger | Sizes 0-26

Besides leggings, you can’t go wrong with a functional pair of hiking pants, especially if they’re simple and sleek. Hiking pants are designed to be extra rugged and functional, offering plenty of mobility and sturdiness for whatever adventures you have planned, from hardcore hiking to horseback riding to UTV adventures!

These Athleta Trekkie North joggers are very popular with readers. They’re tear-resistant, breathable, and don’t hold moisture as you’re hiking, so they can handle anything, and because they’re quick-drying, they’re ideal for waterproof hikes and canoe rides. Function aside, TFGs say they’re really cute and flattering!

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Sturdy Shoes

Hiking shoes are an absolute must for this destination! No matter what’s on the itinerary, hiking shoes will keep your feet comfortable, stable, and protected. And because there are a lot of creeks and even a few waterfalls, you may want to opt for a pair of waterproof hiking shoes.

These Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots are among readers’ most sought-after pairs. While robust and equipped with a grippy Vibram sole, these shoes are lightweight and breathable. Plus, readers say they have excellent arch support and comfy ankle support.

Overall, Moab boots are great for all kinds of hikes in the Red River Gorge. For example, I was torn between the classic Moab style and the more understated-looking Merrell Moab Flight Trail Hiking Shoes. So, I brought them both during sales events to try them out. The Merrell Moab Flight shoes won! These two models can work for less intense hikes in the Gorge!

Be sure to pack some moisture-wicking hiking socks, too!

Shop Chaco ZX/2 Sandal: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos

On extra hot days, you may want to opt for a pair of hiking sandals instead. While there are plenty of rocky cliffs and forest trails in Red River Gorge, there are also so many rivers, streams, and lakes, so a pair of waterproof hiking sandals will keep your feet protected and stable as you splash around!

Sporty yet cute, readers love the Chaco ZX/2 water-resistant sandals for their comfy cushioning and secure fit. They’re fast-drying and have excellent traction, too!

Shop The North Face Fleece Jacket: Amazon | The North Face (Sizes XS-3X)

Cozy Jackets or Pullovers

While spring and summer days are nice and warm, the temperatures in the mornings and evenings drop quite a bit. Fall and winter in Red River Gorge are mild yet definitely get chilly.

Bring a warm jacket that’s not too bulky and will allow you to move freely, like a fleece jacket. They’re cute, sporty, and easy to pack in a day bag.

This fleece jacket from The North Face is silky soft and offers a great deal of warmth despite its lightweight feel. It has handy pockets and an adorable look!

Wool& Aspen Merino Sweatshirt | Sizes XS-XXL

A sweatshirt is another great layer to bring with you on a chillier day or to throw on for your evening adventures.

The Wool& Aspen sweatshirt is functional for outdoor adventures but looks stylish and can be worn with non-sporty attire. Made of merino wool, it’s insulating and temperature-regulating, ensuring you’ll be comfortably warm without overheating!

Shop Columbia Arcadia II Jacket: Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-3X)

While a fleece can keep you nice and warm, it’s good to pack a light rain jacket as sometimes the weather can be unpredictable at the Gorge. When I was hiking in Utah, I was so glad I had my Columbia waterproof jacket. So, plan in advance and always have one in your hiking pack in case!

This jacket is a great lightweight addition to a hiking daypack for just these occasions and if a sudden rain were to hit.

Shop Osprey Tempest: Amazon | Osprey

Hiking Pack

As you head out for the day, you’ll no doubt need to bring some essentials with you, like a water bottle and snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer. That’s where a hiking daypack comes in!

Designed to stay secure on your back while giving you full mobility and not weighing you down, hiking backpacks are great when you need to bring a larger amount of items for the day.

Osprey is my go-to travel and outdoor gear brand, and the Osprey Tempest 20 checks all the boxes for a hiking bag: it has pole inserts, a mesh exterior pocket for quick access to my waterproof jacket or phone with mini-tripod, 2 mesh secure water bottle holders, a small upper stash pocket for essentials, and a main compartment with just enough space for some snacks and outer layers.

REI Co-op Trail 5 Waist Pack

If you’re keeping it light for the day and want something a bit smaller, opt for a hiking waist pack or fanny pack! Easy to carry and perfect for holding just the essentials for whatever activity you’re embarking on, these compact bags are convenient.

This cute REI hip pack is ultra-light yet super rugged. Its highly water-repellent fabric makes it a perfect option for canoeing, inner tubing, or a day at the lake!

Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap

Accessories

When you’re adventuring out under the sun for long hours, sun protection is extremely important, so pack a hiking hat that offers good shade and will work for sporty activities! Choose something lightweight and breathable so it’ll keep you cool.

These Outdoor Research hiking hats have become a favorite of mine and are highly recommended by our readers, too! They’re awesome hats for hiking or just being out in the sun. The vents on the sides make such a difference in hot weather, and they have UPF 50+ protection, which is an incredible bonus!

KastKing Alanta Polarized Sport Sunglasses

Eye protection is also very important when out in the sun for long periods of time. And if you’re out on the water or picnicking by the lake, the glare of the sun off of the water can be quite intense. So another great accessory to pack is some sunglasses!

While you can bring your favorite pair of sunglasses, you might want to opt for a sportier pair with polarized lenses and a secure fit to ensure they’ll stay on when you’re active.

Shop Osprey Transporter 22″ Carry On: Amazon | Osprey

Luggage for Red River Gorge

When packing for the Red River Gorge, you’ll need a sturdy and spacious suitcase. Readers love Osprey luggage for every type of trip and destination, but they’re particularly great for outdoorsy trips!

With oversized spinner wheels, a sturdy (but lightweight) aluminum frame, and extremely durable fabric, the Osprey Transporter 22” hybrid suitcase would be perfect for this trip! It’s compact and great for both international and domestic travel but spacious enough to easily fit hiking boots and all of the clothing and hiking gear you could need!

We’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage for your next trip!

Shop Samsonite Andante 2 22″ Duffel: Amazon | Samsonite

Readers also adore Samsonite, and their 22” wheeled duffle bag is lightweight but uber sturdy, so you can pack it to the brim without being weighed down. The water-resistant polyester fabric is strong, making it easy to deal with Red River Gorge’s nature, like gravel or rocky pathways, and the grab handles offer another way to lift and maneuver it, besides the durable wheels.

Left: Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes (13″ x 8.5″ x 2.8″) | Right: Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes (13″ x 5″ x 2.8″)

How to Pack Your Clothes for Red River Gorge

It’s time to pack your hiking gear and prepare for your big outdoor adventure! Many readers use our packing cubes for this task. The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items. The medium size is great for bulkier items.

If you’d like more help learning how to use packing cubes, see the video below.

Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. Because packing cubes compress clothing, these strategies have helped thousands of women travel carry on only!

The living area offers a stunning view of the lake.

Where to Stay in Red River Gorge

I’m super excited to announce my newest vacation rental: A LAKEFRONT CABIN!!!

I finally finished furnishing it! It’s a four-bedroom, four-bath property that can accommodate up to 14 guests. It’s perfect for groups and families and it’s pet-friendly, too.

For the design, I wanted to preserve the traditional cabin aesthetic while adding some newer touches and incorporating a non-pretentious but stylish vibe. This area is popular with climbers and families and I wanted to ensure guests would find it cozy and comfortable after a long day hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, and epic underwater adventures!

Relaxing view after a long day of outdoor adventures.

Red River Gorge is a highly popular camping destination, so there are a ton of awesome campsites in the area as well as RV accommodations.

There are also a lot of cute cabin rentals you can book!

Did you know I also have Airbnb properties elsewhere? Check out my beachfront ranch in El Salvador and my cute condo in central Playa del Carmen.

Red River Gorge is a beloved destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

What Activities to Do in Red River Gorge

Visitors flock to Red River Gorge for its famous hiking and rock climbing, but the area offers so many exciting activities!

You can spend the day hiking, from leisurely walks to steep and rigorous treks. There’s some incredible birdwatching, as well as so many unique kinds of plants and trees to experience.

And with all of the lakes, rivers, and creeks, water sports and swimming are a major part of the fun in Red River Gorge!

Enjoy the scenery by kayaking and canoeing on the Red River.

Kayaking and canoeing in the Red River are fun ways to get out on the water, take in the beautiful scenery, and stay active. You can also kick back and relax on an inner tube as you stroll along with the current.

There’s also paddle-boarding and water skiing, or just hop into the lake for a refreshing swim!

And when you want to chill, pack up a picnic basket and enjoy a meal in nature with a stunning view. Hope you enjoy your trip!

What are your tips on packing for Red River Gorge? Share with us in the comments below!

For more hiking packing tips, please read:

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What to Pack for Red River Gorge: Clothes, Gear, and Extra Tips!