Sometimes people are at a loss of what to pack when visiting Yellowstone National Park. This is a list of ideas of what you’ll need.
The climate in Yellowstone National Park is very different that many places in the United States and around the world. Because of the elevation and mountains, the temperature can change quickly.
Also you’ll need things you don’t normally use on a daily basis at home. So let’s jump right into the list.
1. Clothes You’ll need:
While the temperature forecast may seem mild, it can get really hot and really cold. The elevation and lack of humidity really changes what the temperatures feel like. On a sunny day, it can feel very hot even though it’s only in the 70’s and the 30’s can feel much warmer than you expect.
Also a day can start out very cool or even cold, it can get hot in the middle of the day. Because of all of this, I recommend the following list for clothes and outer wear. Also you will want to dress in layers so you can take them off throughout the day and put them back on as it gets cooler in the evening.
Long pants
Shorts
Heavy jacket/coat
Light jacket
2. Sunscreen
The elevation of Yellowstone National Park is pretty high. Due to this, the sun is more intense. You are more likely to get sunburned in
Yellowstone. Sunburns also happen more quickly because of the elevation.
3. After Sun Spray
Even though you put sunscreen on, you most likely will get sunburned. You either underestimated the power of the sun at a high elevation or forgot to reapply sunscreen. Either way, you’ll be glad you have After Sun Spray to soothe that sunburn.
4. Hat & Good Walking Shoes
You will be walking in Yellowstone. There is a lot to see from your vehicle but there is so much more to see when you get out of your car. Good walking shoes are a must. They will prevent injury and will help you see more of the park.
A hat will help keep the sun off your face and prevent sunburn. It will also help you keep cool. I recommend a breathable hat so that your body can expel heat.
5. Water bottle
The dry climate and the amount of walking you’ll be doing, you are going to need water. There are many water bottle refilling stations around Yellowstone. It’s a good idea to refill your water bottle every chance you get.
This is the water bottle that I love.
6. Binoculars
Often the things you want to see in Yellowstone are a long way off. A good pair of binoculars is essential to see all those things. Bears, Mountain Goats, Elk, Wolves, and many other animals are some of the things you’ll want to see with those binoculars.
7. Camera
A camera is essential. You will want to look back at this amazing trip you’ve taken. The camera on your phone will work just fine. But if you want close up pictures of the things you can’t get close to like wild animals, you’ll need a camera with a good zoom lens. I am a Canon camera kind of girl. I recommend this camera.
8. Notebook & Pen
Notebook & Pen can come in handy often. We like to play the license plate game and need paper for that. I also like to keep notes on what we did, what we saw, and how we enjoyed the park. You never know when you’ll need to write something down.
9. Bear Spray
If you plan to do any hiking, you will want bear spray. There are bears all over the park. You never know when you’ll run into one. While bear spray is a last resort, you never want to run into a bear without a back up plan. If you are unable to purchase bear spray before getting to the park, there are places you can buy some in the park and there are places you can rent it.
Please check out my tips for staying alive in Yellowstone to know how to avoid surprising bears while hiking.
10. First Aid Kit
A First Aid Kit is great to have just in case. This can also be purchased in the park, but tend to run a little more expensive than if you purchase it at home and bring it along.
Because Yellowstone National Park is rugged country, injuries can happen. Anything from scrapes and bruises to tummy problems. A first aid kit can come in clutch when problems arise.
11. Bug Spray
Mosquitoes can be an issue in the middle of the summer in Yellowstone. Bug spray is handy when out and about in the Park. No need to ruin a great trip with itching from bug bites.
Need a natural bug repellant? I’ve got one you can mix up using essential oils.
12. Hand Sanitizer, Wet Wipes, & Paper Towels
Many of the restrooms in Yellowstone National Park are pit toilets and many don’t have hand sanitizer. You’ll want to carry some with you to help control the spread of germs.
We like to take snacks with us as we drive around. It helps keep the kids happy and from fighting with each other. But with snacks come messes. Wet wipes and paper towels are a huge help. We keeps a roll of paper towels and a pack of wipes in the vehicle. They have come in handy so many times.
Some other suggestions I’ve gotten for what to pack are portable chargers for your phone, a back up battery for your camera, bell for your backpack to make noise to make the bears aware you are coming, backpack or fanny pack, gummy bears, and your friends. What else would you add to this list?
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