Are you planning a trip to one of America’s Great National Parks? No matter which park you’re planning to visit, your packing list will generally look about the same. Let’s take a closer look at what to pack when visiting the U.S. national parks.
Comfortable Clothes
When you’re hiking, biking, walking, or taking part in other physical activities throughout the national parks, the last thing you want to do is wear uncomfortable clothes.
If you’re planning to take photos, you’ll also want to do it in style. Consider packing luxury sweatpants, shorts, hoodies, t-shirts, or tank tops, depending on the weather conditions.
Since the temperatures and weather conditions can change at any time, it’s important to pack extra clothes or dress in layers.
Backpack
It’s important to pack a backpack when you visit national parks. It’s important to find a backpack that’s large enough to fit all of your items inside. You’ll also want to choose a waterproof backpack to keep your belongings protected from rain or snow.
Hiking Shoes or Other Comfortable Footwear
Some might say that this is the most important item to pack when visiting a national park. If you’re planning to do any hiking, you’ll want to pack hiking shoes or other comfortable footwear. Be sure to wear your shoes ahead of time to make sure they’re broken in and won’t hurt your feet. It’s also ideal to pack shoes to wear after you’ve finished hiking.
Reusable Water Bottle
Whether you visit Grand Teton or Yellowstone, hiking can easily lead to dehydration. This is why a large reusable water bottle is one of the most essential items to add to your national park packing checklist.
Reusable water bottles not only keep you hydrated; they’re also an eco-friendly option. There are water fill-up stations located throughout the U.S. national parks – generally found near the entrance and exits.
Cooler
If you’re planning to camp at the national park, you’ll also want to pack a cooler full of beverages and food. There are so many different types of meals you can make. Cooking is permitted on self-contained charcoal grills or cookstoves. You can pack everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Snacks
At some point, you’re bound to grow hungry when you’re on the trails. It’s important to pack some healthy snacks to curb your appetite. Some ideal options include trail mix, protein bars, nuts, jerky, and dried fruits.
Sun Protection
To keep yourself protected from the sun’s harmful rays, be sure to pack sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher. You’ll also want to pack sunglasses and a hat to keep your eyes and head protected from the sun.
Insect Repellent
Bugs can be a pain when you’re in the great outdoors. Ticks can even cause severe and even potentially life-threatening diseases. To keep yourself protected from these bothersome pests, be sure to pack insect repellent for your trip.
Camera and Tripod
Although your cell phone probably has a great camera, you might want to consider investing in a good camera for your trip. Be sure to pack a tripod so you can take photos of yourself and anyone you’re traveling with without having to ask another parkgoer to take photos for you. Since the parks are some of the most beautiful spots in America, you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
Binoculars
If you want to get a better view of the national park’s wildlife, binoculars are the best way to do so. You’re generally required to keep a distance of 100 yards from predatory animals like bears and wolves or 25 years from other wildlife. Binoculars allow you to observe from a distance.
These are just some of the items you’ll want to include on your national park packing list. Taking some time to plan ahead of time can help ensure you’re as prepared as possible for your stay.
