Yellowstone Packing List (2026): What to Pack for Every Season

yellowstone
Written By Kelly W

If you’ve never packed for Yellowstone before, it can be hard to know where to start. The mornings are cooler than most people expect, the afternoons warm up quickly, and conditions can vary a lot between valleys, geyser basins, and mountain passes. We’ve spent months exploring Yellowstone across every season, and these are the items we rely on trip after trip. This packing list will help you feel ready for whatever the park throws your way!

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    The Best Clothing to Pack for Yellowstone

    The #1 rule for Yellowstone packing = layers are your best friend.

    Here are the layers we recommend:

    Best Shoes for Yellowstone

    You’ll spend your days on boardwalks, trails, and roadside pullouts. Skip the sandals and open-toed shoes.

    Instead, we recommend:

    • Hiking boots or trail shoes with traction (I wear La Sportiva boots, Jon swears by his GORE-TEX boots, Sorel is also a good brand)

    • Comfortable sneakers for long drives + easy walks (if you’re staying mostly on defined boardwalk trails, the sneakers or tennis shoes you have in your closet should be fine)

    • If you plan to visit the Yellowstone Hot Springs (outside the park), it’s helpful to pack a waterproof slip-on shoe, such as Crocs

    Essential Yellowstone Gear

    These are general items you’ll want to pack for your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

    • Polarized sunglasses (the Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses are best for sun glare, while I love the look of Ray-Ban aviators; Jon loves the Justin Classic Ray-Ban Sunglasses)

    • Camera + charger + your best zoom lens (we bring the Lumix G7, a Lumix lens for wildlife photography, a second charger, extra memory cards, and everything fits in this camera bag)

    • Portable charger or car charger (you’ll be doing a LOT of driving in Yellowstone)

    • Binoculars or a spotting scope (a must-have for wildlife watching; you can rent from Optics Yellowstone in Gardiner)

    • Silicone rings (outdoor-travel friendly and good for cold weather)

    • Lightweight gloves, buff, and earmuffs (good for chilly mornings or windy summits)

    • Cooler (there are plenty of places to eat in Yellowstone, but we also pack snacks and drinks in our YETI Roadie Cooler)

    • Dash Cam (the Rove Dash Cam is great for capturing scenery and the occasional bison jam)

    • Tripod (helpful for wildlife photography)

    • Swimsuit (for Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner, MT)

    Daypack Checklist for Hiking in Yellowstone

    If you’re planning to hike while visiting Yellowstone, here’s what we bring on trails:

    What to Pack for Yellowstone in Spring or Fall

    • Warm pants or joggers (I wear lined joggers from Athleta; Jon loves the Coalatree Evolution joggers)

    • On cooler days, we’ll wear a thermal base top instead of tanks (layers are still your friend during shoulder seasons)

    • Lightweight wool hoodie (Ridge Merino Solstice is our year-round go-to; it’s great for layering)

    • Mid- to heavy-weight fleece or Insulated puffer jacket

    • Lightweight gloves, buff, earmuffs

    • Rain jacket

    • Hiking boots (if you’re hiking early in the spring season or late in the fall season, there may be snow on the trails, so consider traction cleats)

    • Sunscreen, lip balm, & sunglasses (a must-have year-round)

    What to Pack for Yellowstone in Winter

     

    FAQ: Packing for Yellowstone National Park

    What should I pack for wildlife watching in Yellowstone?

    For wildlife watching, bring a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope and a camera with a zoom lens. Don’t forget layers to stay comfortable during early mornings and late evenings. Always pack bear spray and know how to use it before heading out into wildlife-rich areas. Here are our favorite places for wildlife watching in Yellowstone.

    Do I need bear spray in Yellowstone?

    Yes, bear spray is highly recommended for all visitors, especially if you’re hiking or exploring backcountry areas. It’s available for purchase or rental in Yellowstone and nearby towns. Always carry it on your person, not in your backpack, and be sure you know how to use it. (It works like pepper spray, not bug spray.) It’s also recommended to hike in groups of three or more. Here are some other tips for staying safe in Yellowstone bear country.

    What should I pack for hiking in Yellowstone?

    Bring a small daypack with water, sunscreen, and a map or GPS. (We highly recommend an All-Trails Pro account so you can download offline maps in Yellowstone since there are many areas without cell service.) Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy hiking boots, and bring extra layers in case of changing weather. Don’t forget your bear spray, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected from the sun.

    What gear is essential for scenic drives in Yellowstone?

    Grab a park map once you arrive in Yellowstone (cell service can be unreliable), and don’t forget to pack your camera and binoculars! A car phone charger or this car charger for electronics can also come in handy. Learn more about driving in Yellowstone.

    Should I bring waterproof gear to Yellowstone?

    Yes, waterproof gear is a great idea. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho and waterproof hiking boots, as summer thunderstorms are common. A dry bag for your camera or electronics can also be helpful if you’re hiking.

    Are there any items I shouldn’t pack for Yellowstone?

    Avoid packing overly scented items, such as perfumes, as they can attract wildlife. Leave drones at home since they’re prohibited in the park. Also, skip any single-use plastics like water bottles, as refillable bottles are more eco-friendly and convenient. You also can’t bring bear spray on a plane, so avoid purchasing bear spray ahead of time and grab it once you get to the park.

    Do I need to bring food into the park?

    Yes, it’s a good idea to pack food, especially if you plan to spend the whole day exploring. There are dining options in the park, but they are spread out. Bring non-perishable snacks like trail mix, protein bars, or sandwiches, and store everything properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

    Yellowstone is bear country. Keep snacks inside your car, use designated picnic areas, and always dispose of trash and leftover food in the bear-proof bins provided. If you are camping, use the bear storage lockers at your campsite for all food and scented items.

    What are the must-have items for kids in Yellowstone?

    Pack kid-friendly binoculars, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of snacks for little adventurers. A notebook or activity book is great for downtime and for documenting wildlife sightings. Yellowstone also offers two fun educational programs for kids.

    The Junior Ranger Program is available at all visitor centers. Your daughter can pick up a booklet, complete the activities, attend a ranger talk, and earn an official Junior Ranger badge. The Young Scientist Program is offered at the Old Faithful and Canyon visitor centers and encourages hands-on learning about geysers, wildlife, and ecology.

    If you plan to hike, make sure kids have sturdy shoes and the right layers so they stay comfortable throughout the day.

    How can I pack light but still be prepared for all seasons?

    Focus on layering if you want to pack light but still be prepared for varying weather conditions. Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, a mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer. This way, you can adjust your clothing as temperatures change throughout the day. Versatile clothing, like zip-off hiking pants and multi-purpose jackets, can save space in your bag.

    Do I need bug spray in Yellowstone?

    If you’re planning to hike in Yellowstone, bug spray is recommended, especially in the summer. Mosquitoes and other insects are active near lakes, rivers, and marshy areas. If you’re planning to stay on or near Grand Loop Road, you don’t need bug spray. (We’ve been to Yellowstone a dozen+ times and rarely bring bug spray. It’s never bothered us.)

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

    Yes, you can rent or buy gear in towns near the park entrances, including Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Jackson. Local outfitters and general stores carry outdoor gear, bear spray, and other essentials, although prices can be higher than what you would pay at home. It is always best to pack what you can.

    One important note: you cannot bring bear spray on planes, so you will need to rent or buy it once you arrive. General stores inside the park rent bear spray and you can also find it in most grocery stores outside the park.

    What’s the most overlooked item people forget to pack for Yellowstone?

    In winter, it’s nail clippers and hand lotion because the cold, dry air makes your skin crack faster than you expect, especially after long days outside. In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm. The high elevation means you can burn quickly, even on cooler or cloudy days. In spring and fall, many visitors forget binoculars, which are incredibly helpful during prime wildlife seasons.

     

    Keep Reading

    🧳 Want to know what else we pack for road trips? Check out our complete Road Trip Packing List for a list of everything we use and love!

    🦬 And don’t miss our Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park!

     
    Kelly W
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