National Park Packing List 2026: What to Bring by Season

Start with the free NPS App — it has offline trail maps for every park, works without signal after download, and includes ranger alerts and permit info. For backcountry trips, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 (satellite subscription plan required) adds two-way satellite messaging and a distress beacon. Also carry a paper topo map and compass as backup per NPS.gov.

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid is the best all-rounder — proven across desert and alpine terrain, available in waterproof. For technical terrain like Glacier’s backcountry or the Grand Canyon Kaibab Trail, the Salomon Quest 5 adds added stability on technical descents. Whatever you choose, break them in on 2–3 local walks before the park.

The Osprey Talon 24L (men’s) and Sirrus 24L (women’s) are the benchmark for day hiking packs — ventilated mesh back panels, hydration bladder sleeve, and a hip-belt that transfers weight off your shoulders. For longer days or carrying extra layers in variable weather, the 34L version gives breathing room without going oversized.

The Sawyer Squeeze filters to 0.1 micron, weighs 3 oz, and lasts 100,000 gallons — the best value-per-use filter available. Pair it with a 2L collapsible reservoir. Always carry Aquatabs purification tablets as a backup — when your filter freezes in cold temps, tablets keep you hydrated.

Look for a 2.5-layer or 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell — Gore-Tex or equivalent membrane, fully taped seams, and a hood that cinches over a hat. A solid mid-range shell from Marmot, REI Co-op, or Outdoor Research covers it. Pack it every day — if you don’t need it, great. If you do, you’ll be very glad it’s there.

The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is the top pick — 400 lumens, USB-C rechargeable, IPX8 waterproof, under 3 oz. Budget option: Nitecore NU25 covers most day hiking needs. Always bring a spare set of batteries or a charging cable. Cold temperatures drain battery life — keep the headlamp in an inner pocket in winter.

Counter Assault and UDAP Pepper Power are both EPA-registered and widely available near park entrances. Carry it in a hip holster — accessible within 3 seconds — not buried in your pack. At Yellowstone, rent canisters from Bear Aware by the day if you don’t want to fly with it.

Pack all three: SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours and after sweating), a wide-brim hat (shades face, neck, and ears — ball caps leave your ears and neck exposed), and UV-rated sunglasses (look for 100% UVA/UVB protection). Cheap non-rated glasses may cause more damage than no glasses by dilating your pupils while transmitting UV. Add a UPF 50+ sun shirt for long exposed ridgeline hikes.

A merino wool base layer is the most versatile choice — wicks sweat, regulates temperature, and doesn’t smell after multiple days of wear. Add a lightweight synthetic puffer jacket that packs to the size of a water bottle. Choose synthetic over down for rainy parks like Olympic and Glacier — synthetic retains warmth when wet, down does not.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is the benchmark — cork handles that absorb sweat, ultralight carbon shafts, quick-lock adjusters. The REI Co-op Passage is the budget alternative for occasional hikers. Most parks permit poles on all trails — check Zion’s Angels Landing permit rules before bringing them. See more Glacier National Park tips on trail prep.

The Kahtoola MICROspikes are the gold standard — stainless steel spikes, durable chain links, and a stretchy frame fitting boots from size 4 to 16. They roll up to baseball size in your pack. Don’t substitute slip-on Yaktrax — those are fine for sidewalks, not for mountain terrain. At Glacier, microspikes are recommended on most high routes before mid-June.