Hi friend, I hope this blog post finds you well and planning your trip out to Yellowstone and Grand Teton!
On my trips to the Jackson Hole area, there have been a few items that I either packed and was glad I did or realized I didn’t pack and wished I had!
I’d like to share 10 quick packing tips for your summertime trip to Yellowstone that will hopefully help you to not end up in the latter category 😛
That being said, let me preface with a disclaimer that this is not an extensive packing list. You know to pack your toothbrush and underwear.
The purpose of this list is to help you think ahead about what you will need while you are in the parks that you might not otherwise think of.
Now, let’s get packin’!
1. Binoculars and/or Spotting Scope
I’ve decided to cut to the chase and list my #1 MUST pack item first. Having a good set of binos can change how you experience these parks.
If I didn’t do a fair amount of birding in my spare time, I don’t know that this is an item that I would think to take with me.
However, if you read my post about How To Plan an Epic Adventure in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you’ll remember me stressing how large the landscape is out there.
That being said, you’re going to spend plenty of time taking in the entire expanse and breathtaking panoramic views.
BUT.
At some point, there is going to be something amazing, like a wolf or a grizzly bear, or peregrine falcon babies (in a nest 50+ yards away perched precariously on a canyon rim!) that you’re going to want to see up close.
Packing some decent binoculars or a spotting scope is going to be a game-changer and is going to bring that wildlife right up to you.
Another word of advice, if you are traveling with others, tell them to pack some too. Sometimes, when something exciting is happening, it’s hard to share 😛
2. Hiking & Trail Shoes
Ok, this one is obvious, but I wanted to take a moment to highlight a couple of brands that I think are really standing out and doing great things of late.
Both On Cloud and Hoka One One are huge in the nursing world–a world of endless walking and standing. It only makes sense that they would create hiking shoes as well. I personally work and run in Hokas and have loved them in both arenas.
It’s worth mentioning that the two brands are fairly different. On Cloud tends to be a bit more minimalist whereas Hoka leans towards more cushion. I have friends who love and wear both. So you’ll have to decide which ones feel best on your feet.
Whichever boot or trail shoe you go with, be sure to buy them well enough in advance of your trip so that you have time to properly try them out and break them in. Hours into a hike is not the place to find out that your shoes don’t work. Trust me.
Also, don’t get great shoes and then skimp on your socks. The rule of thumb here is to avoid cotton. It holds onto moisture and you’ll find yourself with some pretty gnarly feet in no time.
But don’t stress. There are so many great hiking socks to choose from. Check out Bombas or Smartwool. Or, swing into your local outdoor store and try some out.
3. Water-proof sandals
This area has some really beautiful lakes that you’ll likely want to take advantage of. If so, a good waterproof sandal is going to be your friend.
Personally, I also don’t mind doing short hikes or walks in my Chacos. I know my feet may get a little dusty, but I prefer that over a closed shoe that’s going to make my feet hot.
Sandals also make for a good campsite shoe at the end of the day and can double as a shower shoe. Plus, they are good for just scooting around town. So many reasons. Just pack them 🙂
4. Lightweight Jackets & Pullovers
No matter what time of year you visit Jackson Hole, the weather can be volatile.
I’ve added packing a lightweight jacket or pullover to your list with the assumption that you’ll be visiting the area in the warmer months (Spring through Fall). If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll need a lot heavier than this.
But in the warmer months, a light windbreaker, a waterproof jacket, and/or a pullover will likely be something you’ll be glad you had.
Our last visit was in May of the year and there was still at least a foot of snow in some areas of Yellowstone.
Winter tends to hold onto this region a lot longer than in other parts of the country. That said, layering is your friend. Throw these on overtop a base layer and you’ll be set.
Just a quick side note: Also consider moisture-wicking under layers if you are going to be doing a lot of hiking or outdoor activities. It’ll help keep you warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.
5. Small Backpack or Crossbody Pack
If you’re going to do short hikes, a small backpack will be a must.
You’ll need to carry water, maybe a snack, some extra sunscreen and bug spray. Lord knows you don’t want to have to hold all of that! So, backpack it is.
There are a million options, so I wanted to give you a couple to consider. The ones pictured above are from Lululemon and Cotopaxi.
I love both these brands for different reasons. If you are interested in environmentally conscious companies, definitely check out Cotopaxi.
Like Patagonia, they work to make items out of recycled goods and offer fun, one-of-a-kind options for packs and clothing.
I’ve also recently fallen in love with the crossbody fanny pack craze. I love having a place to store just my phone, cards, and Burts Bees without carrying a whole purse or bag.
I personally have a Lululemon crossbody, but there are so many styles out there now. Just shop around and find a style you like. They really do come in handy.
6. Wide-Brim Hat
Ok, a wide-brim hat may be a superfluous packing item, and there are plenty of opportunities to buy one in Jackson Hole.
However, I wanted to add this to your list of things to take because I absolutely love this company and was glad I took my Gigi Pip with me on my last trip to the parks.
A wide-brim hat not only makes for some really great photos while you’re skirting around the Rockies, but it also adds a little shade on those extra sunny days.
Traveling with a wide-brim hat is not without its obstacles. Wearing a big hat on a plane is a no-go as the back of the brim will hit your seat the whole time. Be careful actually packing it as you risk warping the felt.
The only true recourse is to wear it to the airport and babysit it in your lap on the flight. You can decide if the extra hassle is worth it. But I totally think that it is!
7. Shokz Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones
If you’re the sort of person who likes to hike (or run) and listen to music, this is a great way to do so safely.
Shokz are open-ear headphones that use bone conduction rather than earbuds to deliver the sound.
This keeps your ears open to your surroundings while enjoying your music and allows you to stay vigilant of both other people and wildlife.
As far as safety goes, these headphones are a game-changer.
8. Sunscreen
While you’re out and about exploring, you’re going to be in the sun a lot. I love using SkinPharm’s lightweight sunscreen. It’s sheer enough to be applied before putting on makeup and it comes in both a tinted and clear version.
9. Bear Spray
*THIS IS NOT AN ITEM YOU CAN PACK IN CHECKED OR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE*
I’m putting this here just to make you consider bear safety. You won’t be able to take this on your flight, but you can always pick some up once you arrive in the area.
Avoiding bears should always be the priority. You don’t want to get into a situation where you have to find out if the spray works or not.
10. Bear Bell
Speaking of avoiding bears, making noise while you are walking/hiking is a great way to do that! Adding a bell or other noise maker to your backpack or belt loop can help.
Also, consider periodically saying something out loud as you’re hiking.
One I’ve heard is “WOAAHHH BEAR,” but know that other hikers might think you’ve actually seen one, lol.
However you want to do it, just make a little noise so that you alert any bears in the area that you’re there and don’t accidentally spook one.
Hopefully, you found these 10 tips helpful!
As I said, it’s not extensive, but I wanted to get you thinking ahead and help you prepare for whatever your adventures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton throw at you!
If there are items you’ve found helpful on your trips to the national parks, please comment below!
Can’t get enough travel inspo? Keep reading on the blog!
How To Plan an Epic Adventure in Yellowstone and Grand Teton
What you Need to Know About Eloping in Grand Teton National Park
Having been to Yellowstone, and most recently the Grand Canyon I must say this list is spot on! The number 1 item on this list was the thing I forgot when I left this time because I was in a hurry packing. This is a great list for visiting any national park really. Thanks!
Yay! I’m so glad you found it helpful!! I feel like most people don’t think about binoculars until they get out there! Luckily, you can usually find them at a local store, but I wanted to give people a heads up for sure. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the Grand Canyon! We would love to get out there sometime in the future, too. Thank you so much for reading!!