Yellowstone Packing List: What We Pack for Every Season

yellowstone

Dec 10

Written By Kelly W

If you’ve never been to Yellowstone before, or you’re visiting in a different season, you might be wondering how to pack for Yellowstone. Mornings are often cool, afternoons can warm up quickly, and conditions vary depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do.

This all-in-one Yellowstone packing list covers summer, fall, winter, spring, hiking, wildlife watching, scenic drives, and recreation… based on the items we personally rely on trip after trip.

👋 Meet Your Guides: We're Jonathan and Kelly, and we love Yellowstone National Park. So much so that we've been a dozen+ times, bought fixer-upper cabins outside Yellowstone's North Entrance, and are turning an old park ranger hut into year-round Christmas magic. Now, we're on a mission to make Yellowstone simpler and more magical for everyone who visits!

How to Use This Yellowstone Packing List

This list is designed to be flexible, meaning not everything applies to every trip.

If you’re visiting June-August, start with the Summer Clothing section and add hiking or gear extras based on your plans.

If you’re visiting April-June or September-November, use the Summer Clothing list, then add the Spring/Fall layers. For those visiting in early April or November, you’ll also want to check out the Winter section to be prepared for varying weather conditions.

If you’re visiting December-March, skip straight to the Winter section, since your packing needs are very different.

Table of Contents

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Best Summer Clothing for Yellowstone

Best for: June-August (and as base layers for spring & fall trips)

We’ve spent months exploring Yellowstone across every season. The #1 rule for Yellowstone packing year-round is… Layers are your best friend.

You don’t need special gear for everything on this list. Think of it as a mix-and-match guide based on the time of year you’re visiting and what you plan to do.

Here’s our favorite summer clothing for Yellowstone:

Wool socks: We love Darn Tough because they don't sag, dry quickly, and hold up after long days on boardwalks and trails.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts: Wool is our favorite because we can wear it multiple times, it dries quickly, and it works well for layering. We wear Unbound Merino and Ridge Merino.
Lightweight wool hoodie: The Ridge Merino Sun Solstice is one of our most-worn pieces in Yellowstone. We use it for sun protection while hiking, as a light layer on cool mornings, and underneath heavier layers when it's cold.
Shorts or lightweight pants: I like Coalatree trailhead shorts, while Jon wears Kuhl Kruiser shorts and Kuhl Supressor joggers. The convertible pants I wear on most Yellowstone days are out of stock, but these are similar.
Lightweight fleece or jacket: Even in summer, we always have another layer available for cool mornings and evenings. A lightweight fleece, wool layer, or jacket is usually plenty during warmer summer days.
Heavier fleece or jacket: This is more important if you're camping, spending a lot of time outside around sunrise or sunset, or visiting closer to spring or fall.

Best Shoes for Yellowstone

You’ll spend your days on wooden boardwalks, dirt trails, and roadside pullouts. Skip the sandals and pack closed-toe shoes. We recommend:

Hiking boots or trail shoes: If you're planning longer hikes, we recommend shoes with good traction and support. I wear La Sportiva boots for the extra stability, while Jon swears by his GORE-TEX hiking boots.
Comfortable sneakers: If you're mostly scenic driving and exploring Yellowstone's boardwalks, you probably don't need to buy hiking boots just for this trip. A comfortable pair of sneakers or tennis shoes with decent tread should be fine.
Waterproof slip-on shoes: If you plan to visit Yellowstone Hot Springs outside the park, we like throwing our Crocs in the car.

Yellowstone Driving Essentials

Yellowstone is huge, and we regularly leave in the morning knowing we won't be back to our cabin until that evening. These are the things we like to have in the car.

Polarized sunglasses: I love my Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses for the removable side shields, while Jon wears Justin Classic Ray-Ban Sunglasses.
Camera + zoom lens: We bring our Lumix G7, a Lumix lens for wildlife photography, a second charger, extra memory cards, and this camera bag. If wildlife photography is important to you, bring the longest zoom lens you have.
Car charger + portable charger: You'll do a LOT of driving in Yellowstone, so we use that time to keep our phones, cameras, and other electronics charged.
Binoculars or a spotting scope: If seeing wildlife is a priority, binoculars are one of the first things we'd pack for Yellowstone. A spotting scope gives you even more reach. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can rent binoculars and spotting scopes from Optics Yellowstone in Gardiner.
Cooler: We pack snacks and drinks in our YETI Roadie Cooler.
Extra layers: Even if it's warm when you leave, throw an extra layer in the car. Also consider bringing lightweight gloves, a buff, and earmuffs, depending on the time of year.
Dash cam: Our Rove Dash Cam is one of our favorite Yellowstone extras. Perfect for bison jams!
Swimsuit + waterproof shoes: If we're planning to stop at Yellowstone Hot Springs outside the North Entrance, we'll throw these in the car, too.

What to Pack for Hiking in Yellowstone

If you're planning to hike in Yellowstone, these are the things we bring on the trail:

Daypack: This camera bag doubles as my hiking bag, while Jon loves his Gossamer Gear bag. (Osprey is also a good brand to consider.)
Water: Bring enough for the length and difficulty of your hike. We carry reusable water bottles and will sometimes bring Liquid I.V. or another hydration packet on longer hikes.
Bear spray: We carry bear spray on every hike in Yellowstone and keep it within reach. You can't fly with bear spray, so plan to buy or rent it after you arrive. (If you’re staying with us at the Cozy Yellowstone Compound, we offer bear spray for guest use.)
Offline trail map: Cell service is unreliable throughout Yellowstone, so download your trail map before you leave. We use AllTrails+ for offline maps.
Sunscreen + lip balm: Even when it doesn't feel particularly hot outside, you'll be hiking at elevation and can spend hours exposed to the sun.
Hat + sunglasses: Especially important for exposed trails.
Extra layer: The Ridge Merino Sun Solstice Hoodie is our favorite hiking layer.
Phone tether: I use a simple wrist tether or crossbody phone strap so I can easily grab my phone for pictures without worrying about dropping it.

Depending on the hike, we'll also bring:

Hiking poles: We don't use these for every trail, but they're helpful on longer hikes with significant elevation gain or loss, like Seven Mile Hole.
Headlamp: Worth packing if there's a chance you'll start a hike around sunrise or finish close to sunset.
Bug spray, bug net, and brimmed hat: More useful during summer and around lakes, rivers, and marshy areas.
Traction cleats: Useful if you're hiking when snow or ice may still be on the trail, especially in spring or late fall.

What to Pack When Visiting Yellowstone in Spring or Fall

Best for: April-June and September-November

For spring and fall trips, we start with our summer packing list and add warmer layers. You could start the morning bundled up in thermals and a puffer jacket, shed layers as the afternoon warms up, and need them all again by sunset.

The closer your trip gets to winter, the more we'd borrow from the winter packing list below. If you're visiting in early April or November, check the forecast before you leave and be prepared for winter conditions.

Here's what we'd add:

Thermal base layer: On colder days, we'll swap our regular shirt for a thermal top. If it's especially cold, you can add thermal bottoms under your pants, too.
Warm pants or joggers: I wear lined Athleta joggers, while Jon likes Coalatree Evolution joggers.
Warmer mid layer: Add a mid- to heavyweight fleece, wool layer, or insulated puffer jacket over your lighter layers. We often wear ours over the Ridge Merino Sun Solstice hoodie.
Waterproof outer layer: Bring a rain jacket or waterproof shell that can go over your other layers when needed.
Gloves + earmuffs or hat: These take up little room and can make a big difference on cold mornings.
Traction cleats: These aren't necessary for every spring or fall trip, but we pack them when we're hiking early in spring or late in fall and may encounter snow or ice on the trails.

💡 RTL Tip: Look at the forecast right before your trip and pack for the coldest part of the day you'll be outside. If you're planning sunrise wildlife watching or staying out through sunset, you'll need warmer layers than someone who starts exploring at 10 a.m.

What to Pack for Winter in Yellowstone

Best for: December-March

Winter is a magical time of year to visit Yellowstone… as long as you’re prepared for the weather. Here’s what we pack for winter in Yellowstone, refined from many trips between December and March.

Thermal base layers (top + bottom)
Warm joggers or pants (over base layer)
Warm mid layer: Fleece pullover, wool hoodie or vest, or an insulated puffer jacket (e.g. Patagonia Better Sweater)
Winter jacket: You have a few options here depending on your trip:
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell: If you're building your own layering system, your outer jacket doesn't need to provide all of your warmth. Your base and mid layers will do a lot of that work, while the outer shell protects you from wind and snow. (e.g. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L)
- 3-in-1 winter jacket: This is our favorite option because you essentially get a mid layer and outer shell in one. Wear the insulated inner jacket by itself, the waterproof outer shell by itself, or zip them together for maximum warmth. (e.g. Columbia 3-in-1)
- Traditional insulated winter jacket: You can also wear a traditional winter coat. This can be a good option if your trip will involve more sightseeing, wildlife watching, boardwalks, and snowcoach tours and less active snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling. Look for something warm, waterproof or water-resistant, and wind-resistant, and leave enough room underneath for your base and mid layers. (e.g. Men's Iron-Tuff Ice Parka Insulated Winter Jacket, Women’s Tuscany II Insulated Jacket)
Waterproof insulated winter boots: Warmth, waterproofing, and traction are the things we're looking for in winter boots for Yellowstone. I wear Oboz Women’s, while Jon wears Oboz Men’s, and Sorel is another brand we'd look at. If you can, try on your boots with the socks you plan to wear in Yellowstone. Winter socks take up more room than everyday socks, and you want your boots to fit comfortably without being too tight.
Thick wool socks
Neck gaiter, polar buff, or balaclava
Warm, insulated gloves + glove liners
Microspikes or traction cleats for trails
Snow pants (ones I wear / bib pants Jon wears)
Ski Goggles (usually better than sunglasses for snow sports)
Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis (there are the exact snowshoes we use for snowshoeing in Yellowstone)
Sunblock, lip balm, hand warmers (especially helpful for wildlife watching)
Extra phone/camera batteries (cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so have a backup battery)
Nail clippers/nail file (winter in Yellowstone is extremely dry)
Hand lotion (seriously, it’s really dry)
Ice scraper and snow brush (both are helpful for driving in Yellowstone in the winter; we also recommend de-icer, a snow/ice scraper, and window wipes)

💡 RTL Tip: How much winter gear do you actually need? If your trip is mostly snowcoach tours, wildlife watching, scenic driving, and walking around Mammoth Hot Springs, focus on warmth: thermal base layers, a warm mid layer, an insulated winter jacket, winter boots, thick wool socks, and warm gloves and accessories. If you're planning to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile, consider a flexible layering system, waterproof outer layers, snow pants, goggles, and activity-specific gear.

FAQs: How to Pack for Yellowstone National Park

Is this what you actually pack for Yellowstone?

Yes! This list is based on a dozen+ trips to Yellowstone, and these are the things we actually pack and use ourselves. That said, treat it as a guide. What you need will depend on when you're visiting, what you plan to do, how much time you'll spend outside, and even how hot or cold you tend to run. Use our list as a starting point, then adjust it for the Yellowstone trip you're planning.

How do you layer for Yellowstone in the winter?

If you're looking at some of the jackets we've recommended and thinking, That doesn't look warm enough for Yellowstone in the winter, that's because we use a layering system rather than relying on one heavy jacket.

We'll typically start with thermal base layers, add a warm mid layer like a fleece, wool sweater, or puffer jacket, and then wear a waterproof outer layer on top. Depending on the temperature, what we're doing, and how hot or cold we're running that day, we can add or remove layers as needed.

We especially like this approach if we're going to be active outside because your body temperature can change a lot throughout the day. The jacket I use is actually a 3-in-1, with a puffer jacket that zips into the outer shell. I can wear either piece separately or zip them together into one warmer jacket.

If you're primarily planning to take snowcoach tours and do some scenic driving rather than snowmobiling or snowshoeing, a traditional winter jacket can also work well.

How do I choose a winter jacket and boots for Yellowstone?

My family is planning a Yellowstone trip for Christmas, and I'm helping my parents shop for their winter gear. My biggest piece of advice is for them to prioritize warmth.

REI is one of my favorite places to start because you can filter jackets by warmth and compare outdoor brands like Columbia, The North Face, and Patagonia. (Here’s where I recommend starting: Men’s Warmest Winter Jackets on REI | Women’s Warmest Winter Jackets on REI)

If you have an REI, Columbia store, or another outdoor retailer nearby, trying your winter gear on in person can be helpful. Wear one of the heavier layers you expect to have underneath your jacket and make sure you still have room to move comfortably. Pay attention to the things that matter to you, too: Are the pockets useful? Is the hood comfortable? Can you move easily? Does it feel warm enough?

The same goes for winter boots. My parents picked up the Darn Tough wool socks we recommend, so I told them to wear those when they try on boots. Thick winter socks take up more room than everyday socks, so you want to know the boots will fit comfortably with the socks you'll be wearing in Yellowstone.

You can shop for winter gear on Amazon, too, but for a Yellowstone winter, I'd stick with outdoor brands you recognize and gear designed for cold weather. This isn't a trip where I'd choose a winter jacket based on looks or price alone. Here’s our Yellowstone storefront on Amazon.

Do I need bear spray in Yellowstone?

Yes. Carry bear spray anytime you’re hiking in Yellowstone, and keep it within easy reach. You should also know how to use it before you head onto the trail. Bear spray works more like pepper spray than bug spray: it's meant to create a cloud between you and an approaching bear.

If you're flying to Yellowstone, don't buy bear spray before your trip. You can't bring it on a commercial airplane, so plan to buy or rent it after you arrive. Bear spray is easy to find at general stores, grocery stores, outdoor shops, and other locations in and around Yellowstone.

If you're hiking, Yellowstone also recommends traveling in groups of three or more, making noise in areas with limited visibility, and staying alert for signs of bears. We have more recommendations in our Yellowstone Safety Guide.

Do I need hiking boots for Yellowstone?

Not necessarily! If you're mostly planning to scenic drive, walk the boardwalks around places like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, stop at overlooks, and do a few short, easy trails, a comfortable pair of closed-toe sneakers with good tread should be fine.

If you're planning longer hikes, we'd bring hiking boots or trail shoes with better traction and support. This becomes more important if your itinerary includes steep trails, significant elevation gain or loss, or potentially wet, muddy, snowy, or rocky conditions.

Do I need bug spray in Yellowstone?

Maybe. If you're planning to hike in the summer, especially around lakes, rivers, or marshy areas, bug spray is worth throwing in your hiking bag. You may also want a bug net if you're camping.

But if you're mostly scenic driving, walking boardwalks, and exploring the main attractions along Grand Loop Road, we wouldn't consider bug spray essential. We've visited Yellowstone a dozen+ times and rarely bring it ourselves. Mosquitoes have never been a big enough problem on a typical Yellowstone day to make it something we always pack.

Can I rent or buy gear near Yellowstone if I forget something?

You can buy basic outdoor gear, clothing, toiletries, food, and other essentials in the towns around Yellowstone. That said, your options will be limited depending on where you're staying.

If you're in Gardiner, Ridley's Family Market is great for basics, and there are places in town to buy or rent things like bear spray and wildlife-watching gear. For a bigger selection of clothing and outdoor gear, you'll have more options in places like Livingston, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, or Jackson.

Jon once forgot to pack the jeans he needed for a Yellowstone photoshoot, and Murdoch's in Livingston was the closest place we could find them.

What should I not bring to Yellowstone?

The main thing we'd avoid is packing clothes that don't match how you plan to spend your days. For example, you probably don't need multiple pairs of jeans if most of your trip will be spent hiking. But if you're mostly sightseeing, walking boardwalks, and jeans are what you're comfortable wearing all day, bring the jeans!

The same goes for nicer clothes. We usually bring at least one outfit we'd be comfortable wearing to dinner, especially if we're planning a night at Wonderland Cafe or Sage Lodge, but Yellowstone is casual. You don't need a separate dinner outfit for every night.

We also wouldn't bring a bunch of bulky cotton layers when lightweight wool, fleece, and other moisture-wicking layers can be worn multiple ways and take up less room.

Skip the sandals and flip-flops for sightseeing, too. You'll do a lot of walking in Yellowstone, spending your days getting in and out of the car, walking boardwalks, stopping at overlooks, and exploring trails. We recommend closed-toe shoes that you'll be comfortable wearing for eight+ hours.

Finally, don't bring bear spray if you're flying. Bear spray can't go on a commercial airplane, so plan to buy or rent it once you arrive. Also leave drones at home since they’re prohibited in the park.

Our best recommendation is to review your Yellowstone itinerary, pack clothes for the activities you’ll do, and prioritize versatile layers you can mix and match as the weather changes.