Yellowstone Packing List: What You Need (and What You Don’t)

Wondering what to put on your Yellowstone Packing List? You’re not alone! 

When we started planning our Yellowstone road trip, one of the first things I did was start putting together a packing list. The problem was, without visiting before, we still managed to forget a couple of important items. 😅

But don’t worry. In the next few minutes, I’ll share exactly what you need to pack for your trip to Yellowstone National Park so you’ll have all the essentials ready to go.

Regardless of whether you’re staying in a lodge or at a campground, the last thing you want is to be in the middle of the park and realize you forgot something incredibly important.

So, I put together the key items that are essential for a trip to Yellowstone, along with a few more that we think are extremely helpful. And I’ll also share the mistakes we made, so you can skip that part. 🤪

Be sure to stick around until the end of the article for additional resources to help you confidently plan your Yellowstone vacation! 

Below we get into all the details, I’ve put together a quick list of essentials to add to your Yellowstone packing checklist. These are the things that are either super important to bring or that you may not have considered yet.

Clothing Items for Your Yellowstone Packing List

One of the reasons Yellowstone is so incredible is the wild and diverse terrain. However, that same diversity means you can also see a wide variety of weather patterns – sometimes on the same day! 

Because of this, it’s crucial to pack the right clothing to keep you warm and dry when it’s cold and rainy, but also items that breathe well and wick moisture when you get hot and sweaty. 

When packing clothing for Yellowstone, I suggest packing lightweight, breathable layers. It’s best to avoid cotton and lean towards wool or synthetic blends designed to wick moisture away from your body. These types of fabrics are beneficial in both winter and summer to help regulate your body temperature.

Base Layers

Underwear

We love to travel, camp, and hike with moisture-wicking underwear. Our favorites are those made of merino wool because, in addition to keeping you drier than fabrics like cotton, they also resist stink better than their synthetic counterparts.

Plus, they are easy to wash in a sink or at camp and will air dry quickly. This also means we can bring fewer pairs to save on packing space. 🙌

Here are some of our favorites:

• Women: Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Merino Briefs are my favs, and I’m currently loving this REI Merino Bralette.
• Men: My hubs really likes the Icebreaker Merino Anatomica Boxer Briefs and REI Merino Boxer Briefs

However, we don’t buy merino for our kids. Instead, we tend to buy them options geared towards sports like these that wick but are much cheaper than wool as they’re growing like weeds. 🤪

Baselayer Pants & Top or Long Underwear Set 

Again, we tend to lean towards merino wool for baselayers. However, we also have synthetic options we love. These are some great options to chose from for adults, and our kids love their Ninjasuits or 32° Baselayer sets (they’re super soft, well-priced, and they also make adult options)!

Socks

I’m sure it won’t come as a shock that our favorite socks for adventure travel, camping, and hiking are also made from merino wool. 🤪

We’ve tested many brands over the years, and our top pick in almost every instance is Darn Tough. They are comfortable, durable, and Guaranteed for Life. 

Midlayers

Fleece or Down Puffy Jacket

Even during the summer, it’s a good idea to have a warm mid-layer that you can pop on first thing in the morning, around the campfire at night, or in your hiking day pack just in case. 

My preference is generally a down puffy jacket because they are super warm, but also compressible for packing or stuffing in your day pack. If you prefer fleece, check out these options from Patagonia.

Waterproof Outer Layer

Rain Jacket

A good quality waterproof jacket is a must-have for a trip to Yellowstone to keep you dry in the rain, but it also can act as a bit of a windbreaker and add some additional warmth. I regularly use mine on top of my down jacket to provide extra protection and warmth when it’s cold and rainy. 

Rain Pants

If you plan to do a lot of adventuring and hiking, or if you’ll be camping, I’d also suggest bringing a pair of rain pants. 

We’ve had a few camping trips where we got caught in total downpours that would have been absolutely miserable without rain pants. You may not need them, but if you do, you’ll be so thankful you have them! 

Shirts

When packing shirts for Yellowstone, I suggest sticking to breathable fabric that will help you regulate your temperature when you’re exploring the elements. 

Regardless of whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, I also recommend packing both short and long-sleeved shirts so you’re prepared for a wide range of temperatures. 

Even during the hottest months of the year (July and August), Yellowstone is cooler than many summer destinations. Temps during summer are usually in the 70-80°F range during the day and can easily drop into the 40°F range (or lower) at night. 

Pants & Bottoms

I remember disliking the look of most hiking pants when I was younger, but thankfully they’ve come a long way! A good pair of hiking pants or shorts is comfortable, easy to move in, and is made from fabric that is durable and helps regulate your temperature. 

There are many options out there, but some of our top choices are:

• Women: Title Nine Big B, Title Nine Clamber or Prana Halle for Women
• Men: Prana Stretch Zion for Men or Prana Stretch Zion II Shorts
• Kids: Columbia Backcast Shorts or Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Shoes

When it comes to footwear, in addition to good socks, you’ll want to pack a few different pairs of shoes: 

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Flip flops for showers. You could also use KEEN Sandals for this!
• Water shoes, such as KEEN Sandals
• Walking shoes or athletic shoes: This might be optional if you take the right sandal and hiking shoe. For instance, we often will take hiking shoes like our Altra Lone Peak’s because they are perfect for hiking, but still comfy for walking. Between those and our KEEN sandals, we’re good to go for most situations.

Additional Clothing Items and Layers

In addition to your main clothing items, be sure to add these to your list: 

• Beanie: When it’s chilly, a warm hat or beanie is a game changer. I even use mine on cold nights to keep me from losing too much heat through my scalp. I love this satin-lined option to protect my curls!
• Sun hat: A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap is another essential item to shield your eyes and face from the sun. 
• Swimsuit: Whether you plan to paddleboard or take a dip in the Boiling River, it’s a good idea to pack a bathing suit, just in case! 

Toiletries to Pack for Yellowstone

Everyone’s toiletries will vary slightly, but these are the basic items we’d make sure to have and then add in any additional items you prefer.

• Face cleanser
• Face moisturizer
• Deodorant and/or Body Wipes
• Comb or brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lip Balm or Conditioner
• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications, including ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, acetaminophen, etc.
• Hydrocortisone cream, diphenhydramine cream,  and/or AfterBite
• Aloe Vera
• Body wash or soap

Hiking and Trail Gear Items to Bring to Yellowstone

If you have any hiking plans on your Yellowstone itinerary, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Below you’ll find the hiking gear we take with us on every trip along with a few tips to help if you need to fill in any gaps.

10 Essentials

• Navigation items, such as
  • GPS device, such as the Garmin inReach
  • Map & compass (and know how to use them) and/or
  • GPS Map that will work offline, such as Gaia GPS and a portable charger
• Headlamp
  • Don’t forget extra batteries (AAA for the one above, but make sure to double-check your headlamp!)
• Sun Protection, such as:
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • SPF Shirt
  • Neck Gaiter
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Shelter and/or Bivy
• Gear Repair Kit and Knife or Multitool
• Fire/Heat Source
  • Stove and/or waterproof matches and tinder (if fire conditions allow)
• Extra Water and/or filtration device
• Extra Food
• Extra Clothing

Hiking Shoes or boots

If you didn’t already add them to your list above, making sure to have a good pair of hiking shoes is essential if you plan to do any hiking. We love KEEN and Altra hiking shoes for our family. The KEEN sandals are great for summer hiking, as well as water.

Day Pack

A day pack is the best way to carry your gear on hikes. We also used ours for carrying extra layers and snacks throughout the park! 

Depending on your needs, here are a few day packs to consider:

• Lightweight & packable: WANDRD VEER or one like this from REI. 
• Camera daypack: The WANDRD PRVKE is designed to protect your camera and equipment, while also giving you plenty of room to carry extra supplies. 
• Kids’ day pack: REI Tarn 18

Insect Repellant

If you get eaten alive by mosquitos like I do, make sure to take bug spray.

Bear Spray

Yellowstone is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, so carrying bear spray and being prepared is essential. That means making sure you have your bear spray where you can reach it and are following wildlife guidelines.

If you regularly hike in bear country, it’s probably best to purchase your own bear spray and bring it with you. However, if you can’t (or if you forget), you can rent bear spray at Canyon Village.

Yellowstone Packing List Essentials for Everyone

Binoculars or Spotting Scope

Halfway to Yellowstone from Oregon, we realized we forgot our binoculars. 🤦‍♀️ Thankfully, we were still in an area where we could stop to pick up an additional pair, but that was an expensive mistake when we already had some at home.

When you’re heading to a park with as much wildlife as Yellowstone, you’ll want a pair of binoculars and/or a spotting scope so that you can see animals in the distance more easily. We saw 2-3 bears while we were there, and two of them were very difficult to see without binoculars.

Camera

Between the impressive geothermal features, stunning waterfalls, and extensive wildlife, you’ll definitely want to have a camera to take pictures of your adventures! 

You can go with only your cell phone, but I’d highly recommend taking a camera with a telephoto lens. If you don’t have one and aren’t ready to purchase, many camera shops will rent gear, which can be a great option, but can add up if your trip is more than a couple of days. 

If you’re ready to buy your own camera, these are a couple I personally have used and recommend:

• Sony a6400: I absolutely love this camera. It’s the first mirrorless camera I owned and it’s such a great option if you’re looking to venture into the mirrorless world, but don’t want to break the bank. It does have a crop sensor, but it’s also compatible with E-Mount lenses so you can buy or rent when you need something with a little more reach.
• Sony a7iv: When you’re ready to invest in a full-frame mirrorless camera, this would be my suggestion. It’s what I upgraded to myself last year and I’ve been super happy with it. It has a 33MP sensor and can take video up to 4k at 60p.

Backpack Cooler or Other Small Cooler

Whether you’re planning to camp or not, having a small cooler that you can pop in your car or RV is a great way to make meals easier on the go. 

We found having some quick-to-grab meal options with us saved us money and drive time. Sometimes we were hungry, but the closest restaurant was 30 minutes to an hour away. Having a few things ready to go kept everyone from getting too hangry.

In addition, because we kept easy meals handy and were traveling in a campervan, we could even stop and cook in a pull-off if needed. Or we could put sandwiches together in the Old Faithful parking lot and keep moving to our next stop.

ICEMULE backpack coolers are our favorites for keeping food and drinks icy cold and being comfortable to carry on our adventures (the BOSS keeps ice the longest).

Detailed Maps

Cell service and wifi access in Yellowstone is extremely limited, so it’s essential to have detailed maps to help you navigate throughout the park. We highly recommend using apps like Roadtrippers or Gaia GPS and downloading the maps ahead of time. Of course, if you prefer, you can also opt for a paper map. 

More Essential Items

• Quick Dry Travel Towels – There are several different versions of these, but we like ones similar to these from Nomadix or these from Matador. They are great because they take up very little space, are very absorbent, and dry quickly so they can be packed away ASAP.
• Refillable water bottles (plus extra water) – Sometimes access to water can be a long way away in the park, so it’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle for everyone in your party. We took a water bottle for everyone, our hiking water bladders, LifeStraws, and also had a gallon of water that we could refill from. That way, we knew we would always have plenty of water, no matter what. 
• Hand sanitizer – Always a good idea!
• Mask – Some locations still require masking indoors. You can find current requirements here. 
• Portable phone charger – Even if you have a charger in your vehicle, it’s nice to have a backup way to keep your phone charged, especially if you’re hiking or camping. 
• Headlamp – If you don’t already have one as part of your hiking gear, you’ll want one! it gets very dark in Yellowstone, even in campgrounds. We love having headlamps because it keeps our hands free for setting kids in bed, making dinner, etc. while still providing plenty of light.
• Waste Management Gear – Unfortunately, bathrooms aren’t going to be around every corner and, especially if you go into the backcountry, you’re going to need to have the gear to properly manage your waste. We like to keep a Tinkle Belle (for me), a small roll of biodegradable toilet paper, a trowel for digging a hole, small baggies to pack out toilet paper, and hand sanitizer on hand at all times.
• Cell Phone
• Basic First Aid Kit

Camping Items to Add to Your Yellowstone Packing List

If you’re planning to camp for the duration of your trip, there are additional camping items you’ll want to have in addition to the items above, such as: 

• Tent
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag 
• Camp kitchen supplies

For a complete list of things to take if you’re camping and a free printable camping checklist, check out my post about What to Bring Camping. 

Helpful Items to Consider Packing for Yellowstone

Aside from the must-have items you’ll need, there are a few things to bring to Yellowstone that will just make life easier. 

• Outdoor Shower/Rinse Kit or Body Wipes  – Not every campground in Yellowstone has showers available. Thankfully, an outdoor shower or body wipes are great when you don’t have access!
• Packing cubes – We find it so much easier to pack everyone in packing cubes. It’s so much easier to pull out one cube at a time than to dig through a full suitcase.
• Inflatable Kayaks or SUPs – If you have an inflatable kayak or SUP and the room to bring it, I’m sure you’ll be glad! Looking for one of your own? Check out our review of several Fanatic Inflatable SUPs.
• Tablecloth – We often travel with a tablecloth to put down over our picnic tables when we are cooking. It’s not absolutely necessary, but is nice to have! 
• Travel Insurance – After the last few years, I think we all understand how things beyond our control can happen to derail our travel plans. Making sure you have travel insurance to cover cancellations or injuries during your trip can be so helpful for peace of mind.
• Card Games – We love to take a regular set of cards and games like Play 9 for hanging out at our campsite.
• Tarp & paracord – It’s never a bad idea to have a tarp and paracord to be able to string up for shade or shelter from the rain. 😉
• Cooler – We used our cooler the entire time. It was so nice to have our food with us and be able to stop and eat when we needed to (or when we wanted to wait for crowds to clear out)!
• Waterproof phone case
• Selfie stick
• Dry Sack
• Umbrella
• Flashlight

What Not to Bring to Yellowstone

Now that we’ve talked about what to pack for Yellowstone, let’s touch on what NOT to bring. 

• Drones – Drones aren’t allowed within the park, so it’s best to leave them behind.
• Dress-up clothes – You won’t really need fancy dress up clothes. Everyone pretty much wears hiking and outdoor gear everywhere anyway. 😉If you plan to eat at one of the higher-end restaurants within the park, you could pack one slightly dressier outfit, but super fancy clothes aren’t needed. 
• Electronic wildlife trackers or elk calls – It’s best to skip these as they’re illegal within the park.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Pack for Yellowstone

Additional Resources for Your Yellowstone Vacation

With this Yellowstone Packing List, you should be well on your way to a fabulous vacation. But, if you’re looking for more information, we’ve put together some more resources for you to help you plan all the details!

Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Planner

Looking for a little more help planning your Yellowstone vacation? I’ve pulled together all of our top tips in one easy-to-use trip guide to help you plan. You’ll even get some fun bonuses for the kids (or you), including road trip bingo and a trip journal!

Grab your printable PDF at the link below! Prefer to save paper? No worries! You can also use this interactive guide on your iPad too!

Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Yellowstone National Park

Now that you know exactly what to bring to Yellowstone National Park – from merino wool underwear to binoculars (and yes, maybe even a Tinkle Belle) – you’re ready for all the adventures you’ll have during your visit.

As you’re finalizing the details of your trip, be sure to check out my guide all about the best things to do in Yellowstone so you don’t miss any must-see attractions!

Happy exploring! And don’t forget to snag your copy of my printable packing list for Yellowstone if you haven’t already! It includes the essentials above, a camping checklist, plus a few extras so you can be confident you have what you need. 

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