skippingbrooksIf you are looking for a packing list for a Yellowstone Packing List, look no further! I have come up with a list of 21 ultimate things to pack when visiting Yellowstone National Park.
So you’ve read our posts: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary and Best Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park and now you need to know what to pack when visiting those parks. This article will help you pack accordingly.
Yellowstone is one of the most visited parks in the US for good reason. Where else can you visit multiple geothermal features, vast beautiful landscapes, and endless family activities year-round?
With an average elevation over 8000 feet above sea level in Yellowstone, you will need to plan accordingly to the ever-changing weather even in summer. From stocking hats to swimsuits, you will have an array of items to keep you prepared.
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Yellowstone Packing List
1. Shoes/sandals
The most important item you will need is a good pair of hiking shoes or sandals. When visiting Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton you will be on your feet a lot with the high possibility that your feet will get wet at some point. My kids love Chaco sandals while I prefer a good hiking shoe. I did a lot of research before buying a good hiking shoe. With that said, I wanted a lightweight shoe that included a slip-resistant sole and had great reviews for all-day wear.
2. Backpack
In addition to great footwear, backpacks are essential. I find lightweight, water-resistant, breathable packs are best. Because let’s be real, it will get wet either by water or sweat. And I don’t want to be weighed down by a big cumbersome pack. In fact, I have found a backpack (use code Brooke at checkout for a 57% off discount! ) that fits all these specifications and will pack into a tiny pouch for traveling.
3. Hiking Poles
To be honest I thought hiking poles were a silly thing to use while hiking until I used them for the first time on a steep hike and I proved myself wrong. Poles provide stability, relieve pressure from your body, and also help to establish and maintain a consistent rhythm and increase speed. Look for a pole that is strong, adjustable, and lightweight.
4. Binoculors
Oh, the things you will miss if you don’t have a good pair of binoculars. Is that a bear you see in the distance or a rock? Trust me, it happens a lot and you will be surprised by the things you will see through the lens of binoculars. Don’t leave home without them.
5. Bear Spray
Speaking of bears, a must when on the trails is bear spray. Sounds like a silly thing to those of us who don’t deal with bears in our local areas however the threat is real and happens frequently within Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Bear spray is available for purchase at most gift shops within the parks and some places even offer bear spray rentals.
6. First Aid Kit
Shit happens, especially when traveling with kids and when enjoying the great outdoors, am I right? My husband likes to travel with a first aid kit and as a nurse myself, it’s an essential item for all of our travels. Be sure to choose the first aid kit specific to your hiking needs as there are many kits that range from day trip essentials to kits for up to 28 days of adventures.
7. Rain Gear
Don’t let a little rain stop you from enjoying some great hikes. At the least I would recommend a rain jacket, pants are an added bonus. It’s no fun being wet and cold so be sure to add rain gear to your Yellowstone packing list.
8. Mulitple Pairs of Socks
Especially dry ones. Blisters are killers when hiking and being on your feet all day. Again, dry socks are so important when making a Yellowstone packing list. Pack extra pairs into your backpack so you always have extras when you need them.
9. Gaiters
I have yet to try these however I spoke to a woman on a trail who swore by them. If you hike a little or a lot, I can guarantee you get rocks or small pebbles in your shoes. So what in the world are gaiters? Gaiters are covers that go over socks and the opening of your shoes to prevent rocks and debris from entering your shoes. Pumped to try these on my next hike!
10. Stocking Hat
Even in the summer months, you may need a stocking hat in higher elevation. Expect the unexpected when visiting Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Temperatures can be mid 70’s to 80 during the day and drop into the 30s at night in the summer months.
11. Swim Suit
Now that we went from stocking hats to swimsuits, good thing they are both small enough to pack in those little nooks and crannies of your backpack! Finding opportunities to jump in to cool water will be easier to locate within the Grand Tetons than within Yellowstone but you definitely want to be prepared when the opportunity arises.
12. Sunscreen
As with all sun activities, sunscreen is essential however much more important when dealing with elevation. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the sun’s UV rays intensify by 8-10 % because of the thinning atmosphere so be sure to lather up before each hike and multiple times during.
13. Packable Food
By no means do you need to fancy when buying or packing food. Besides, most of the time kids won’t eat the fancy “hiking” food that contains tons of protein, etc. We have found apples, oranges, granola bars, Clif bars, peanut butter sandwiches, string cheese, nuts, beef jerky, and crackers. The higher the protein the better but hey, you have to want to eat it too!
14. Clothes For Cool Weather
Your Yellowstone packing list must contain clothes for cool weather. For example, Patagonia, North Face, and other brands make hiking pants with zip-off legs and items that are easily compressed to pack nicely back into your backpack when it’s no longer needed.
15. Moisture Wicking Clothing
In addition to cool weather clothes, I highly recommend purchasing clothing that is moisture-wicking or quick drying. Why? You are going to sweat, that is a fact. Moisture-wicking fabric does two things: quickly wicks sweat to the fabric’s outer surface and the other is to dry fast so that your sweat doesn’t saturate the fabric. By doing this your body can regulate its temperature and the fabric isn’t wet, feeling gross, and causing chafing.
16. Water Bottle
Water, water, and more water. Because the air is dry, higher elevation, and the sun, your sweat quickly evaporates. Replacing electrolytes is also a good idea and you can’t do that with just water. You can do this by drinking electrolyte-infused water, electrolyte tablets, fruit-infused water, or coconut water.
17. Headlamp
Maybe you aren’t planning on being on any trails after dark but it’s highly suggested to have a headlamp hidden away in your backpack. Not just a handheld flashlight will do. You want a hands-free light that moves every time your head moves because you might need to run from a bear…I’m just kidding!
18. Biodegrable Wipes
We are all human and have bodily functions that sometimes happen when we aren’t in the most ideal location. There may come a time when you need to rely on mother nature for relief. Don’t get caught with your pants down though, that would be embarrassing! Please don’t leave a trace however, pack everything you bring in back out. Check out these.
19. Ziploc Bags
Always handy to have tucked away in your backpack. Great for wet clothes or stinky socks. They are also great to have to keep all your garbage in one place to discard appropriately once you find a trash can.
20. Whistle
No one expects to have an emergency while enjoying Yellowstone or Grand Tetons yet it can happen so be prepared. Having a whistle is a quick easy way to alert someone to your location if you find you have lost your way on a trail, lost daylight, or your phone is dead.
21. Quick Dry Towel
And the last thing on your Yellowstone packing list…a quick-dry towel. How can you go wrong with a quick-dry towel, like I have said, the likelihood of getting wet while visiting Yellowstone or Grand Tetons is highly likely so it just makes sense to have on in your backpack.
Get packing and enjoy your trip!
Safe adventures,
Brooke
