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

yellowstone

Dec 10

Written By Kelly W

If you’ve never packed for Yellowstone before, it can be hard to know where to start. Mornings are cooler than most people expect, afternoons 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.

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.

If you’re planning mostly scenic drives & boardwalks, you can pack lighter than hikers.

If you’re planning longer hikes or wildlife watching, pay close attention to the hiking and gear sections.

Table of Contents

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The Best Summer Clothing to Pack for Yellowstone

Best for: June-August (and the base layer 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 your season, activities, and comfort level.

Here are the summer clothing layers we love and recommend most:

Wool socks (we love Darn Tough because they don’t sag, dry quickly, and hold up after long boardwalk and trail days)
Wool tees or tanks (our pick: Unbound Merino or Ridge Merino)
Lightweight wool hoodie (the Ridge Merino Sun Solstice is our absolute favorite layering hoodie; it’s perfect for scenic driving and hiking alike)
Shorts and joggers (I like Coalatree trailhead shorts; the convertible pants I wear are out of stock, but these are similar; Jon likes the Kuhl Kruiser shorts and Kuhl Supressor joggers)
Lightweight fleece jacket or waterproof shell jacket
Heavier wool or fleece jacket for chilly mornings and evenings (especially useful if you’re camping or visiting in spring or fall)

💡 RTL Tip: If you only buy one thing for Yellowstone, make it a lightweight wool hoodie. We use ours year-round for sun protection, layering, hiking, and cool mornings. It replaces multiple cotton layers and packs down small.

Best Shoes to Pack for Yellowstone

You’ll spend your days on wooden boardwalks, dirt 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 for stability; Jon swears by his GORE-TEX boots)
Comfortable sneakers for scenic driving and short walks (if you’re staying mostly on wooden boardwalk trails, the sneakers or tennis shoes you have in your closet should be fine)
If you plan to visit Yellowstone Hot Springs (outside the park), a waterproof slip-on shoe is a bonus item to pack (we like bringing Crocs)

💡 RTL Tip: If you’re sticking mostly to scenic drives, visitor centers, and boardwalks, you don’t need heavy hiking boots. A comfortable sneaker with good tread is usually enough, especially in summer.

Essential Items to Pack for Yellowstone National Park (Gear & Driving Must-Haves)

These are the most essential items to pack for Yellowstone, no matter when you’re visiting or what you plan to do.

Polarized sunglasses (my favorite are the Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses because they reduce glare on roads, snow, and boardwalks, which makes driving and wildlife spotting easier; 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 especially good for winter travel when fingers shrink)
Lightweight gloves, buff, and earmuffs (particularly good for chilly mornings or windy summits)
Cooler (we pack snacks and drinks in our YETI Roadie Cooler so we don’t have to leave the park midday or rush meals between wildlife sightings)
Dash Cam (the Rove Dash Cam is our favorite for effortlessly capturing scenery… and the occasional bison jam!)
Swimsuit (if you’re planning to soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner, MT)

What to Pack for Hiking in Yellowstone (Daypack Checklist)

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

Daypack (this camera bag doubles as my hiking bag, while Jon loves his Gossamer Gear bag)
Phone tether (I use a simple wrist tether or crossbody phone strap for easy access to my phone for pictures and videos)
Hiking poles (especially helpful if you plan to tackle Mount Washburn or Seven Mile Hole Trail)
Reusable water bottle (you can fill up at visitor centers throughout the park)
Liquid I.V. or hydration packets
Brimmed hat (if you’re camping or doing a lot of hiking, you might also want a bug net and headlamp)
Lip balm & sunscreen
Bear spray (you can’t fly with it, so you’ll want to rent it inside the park once you arrive)

What to Pack When Visiting Yellowstone in Spring or Fall

Best for: April-June and September-November

If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, start with the summer clothing list and then add the spring/fall layers below:

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 (remember: layers are the most important Yellowstone packing rule year-round)
Mid- to heavy-weight fleece or Insulated puffer jacket (on top of a lightweight wool hoodie, like the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie, we’ll also wear a mid- to heavy-weight layer)
Gloves, buff, earmuffs
Rain jacket
Traction cleats (these are great if you’re hiking early in the spring season or late in the fall season when snow lingers on hiking trails)

What to Pack for Yellowstone in Winter (Guided Tours & Winter Sports)

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 (over base layer)
Mid-layer top (Patagonia Better Sweater, Insulated puffer jacket)
Waterproof and windproof jacket (Columbia 3-in-1, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L)
Waterproof insulated winter boots (I wear Oboz Women’s / Jon wears Oboz Men’s, Sorel is also a good brand)
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)

If you’re visiting Yellowstone in winter, don’t miss our guide on Yellowstone in Winter: What to Know Before You Go.

FAQ: Packing for Yellowstone National Park

Is this what you actually pack for Yellowstone, or just a guide?

Here’s what makes this Yellowstone packing list different: This list isn’t based on gear trends or sponsored picks. It’s what we actually bring, what we leave behind, and what we’ve learned that matters most after a dozen+ trips to the park. This is our actual Yellowstone packing list.

What should I pack for wildlife watching in Yellowstone?

Bring a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope and a camera with a zoom lens. Don’t forget layers for 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 National Park.

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 rent or purchase from park visitor centers and stores in 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 in Yellowstone. Here are more tips for staying safe in Yellowstone National Park.

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.

What do people overpack for Yellowstone?

Most people overpack clothing and underpack layers. Heavy jeans, multiple outfits per day, and cotton hoodies take up space and don’t perform well when temperatures swing. Focus on versatile layers, one or two reliable outerwear pieces, and comfortable footwear.

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 and/or car charger for electronics also comes in handy. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Yellowstone National Park.

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?

There are plenty of places to eat in Yellowstone, so you don’t have to bring your own food, but it is a good idea if you plan to spend full days exploring. Non-perishable snacks like trail mix, protein bars, or sandwiches are great options, and be sure to store everything properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

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

Pack kid-friendly binoculars, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of snacks. A notebook or activity book is great for downtime or documenting wildlife sightings. Yellowstone also offers two educational programs for kids: The Junior Ranger Program and the Young Scientist Program. If you plan to hike, make sure kids have sturdy shoes and the right layers.

How can I pack light but still be prepared for Yellowstone year-round?

Focus on layering if you want to pack light but still be prepared for varying weather conditions. Think: 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 helpful, especially in the summer. Mosquitoes are active near lakes, rivers, and marshy areas. If you’re planning to stay on or near Grand Loop Road for the entirety of your trip, you don’t need bug spray. Personally, 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. If you’re staying in Gardiner, check Ridley’s Family Market and Murdoch’s in Livingston. (Jon forgot jeans once and Murdoch’s was the only place he could find a pair without going all the way to Bozeman!)

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.