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Yellowstone Backpacking Packing List

Below you can find all the goodies you’ll need to bring for this trip, along with our pro-tips from years of traveling around the world!

 
 

It’s All About the Layers

Hiking is all about that layer game.  Weather can change rapidly, so preparing with layers is essential.  Sometimes you’ll be wearing just one layer and other times you’ll be wearing everything you’ve brought! Below we’ve laid out all the layers we recommend.  

Base Layers

The number one goal here is to keep your skin dry from both sweat and external elements like rain.  For this reason we recommend non-cotton/moisture wicking clothes.  Cotton absorbs moisture and dries very slowly so it’s something we absolutely want to avoid.

  • Non-cotton underwear: The rule of thumb is to pack one more than the number of days of your trip

  • Hiking socks (2-4): Find a midweight sock that fits really well to avoid blisters.  Midweight means that there's enough padding that your foot feels comfortable, but not so much padding that it makes your boots fit unwell. Lightweight socks usually don’t have enough padding. The goal when finding the right sock is to have no movement or rubbing between your foot, sock, and boot.  This helps with blisters.  

    Pro Tip: Keeping feet dry is another key way to avoid blisters.

  • Leggings (1 for sleeping, 1- 2 for hiking): These would be your yoga pants, non-cotton base layer or shorts depending on the weather.  

    Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast for the day and dress accordingly.  If it's cool in the morning, but predicted to warm up as the day goes on, you might consider wearing shorts as a base layer.  As it warms up you then have the option to remove your outer layer and be comfortable in hotter weather.  

  • Non-cotton sports bra or tank top with a built in sports bra (1-2)

  • Non-cotton T-shirt or tank top (2-3)

  • Non-cotton long sleeve shirt (1-2): For colder weather

    Pro-tip: Leave an outfit for sleeping that you ONLY sleep in, including socks.  Do not hike in this set of clothes. It’s a great feeling when you can put on clean(ish), dry clothes at the end of a long day of hiking.

Mid Layer

  • Non-cotton hiking pants or joggers (2): Think of these as something you could wear over your leggings or over your shorts that's breathable.

  • Long sleeve non-cotton sun shirt (1): We prefer a button up shirt so you can use this both as a warm layer and/or a sun cover up

Outer Layer

  • Breathable rain jacket (1): You will likely use your rain jacket at some point everyday, even if there is not precipitation you can use your rain jacket as wind protection and another layer of warmth.

  • Breathable rain pants (1): We recommend pants that can go over your boots so you don’t have to take your boots off if the weather suddenly changes.

  • Lightweight rain poncho and/or backpack cover (1): We love using a rain poncho in place of a backpack cover because it prevents the rain from dripping between your back and the backpack.  This is a great way to keep both you and your backpack dry!  Rain ponchos are one of our favorite items to have while hiking as they come in handy at a pretty cheap price!

  • Fleece or down jacket (1): Opt for a very thick fleece or an 800 fill down jacket or equivalent synthetic option.  These are not often worn while hiking, instead they are meant to be a warm layer to put on when you’re stopped and/or at camp during the evening. 

Hiking Boots

Waterproof boots are important for keeping feet dry and avoiding blisters.  These help to ensure you can stay on trail to preserve the environment. In cases where there might be mud or puddles on the trail you can walk through them instead of going off trail trying to avoid them.

We also recommend over ankle boots. The high ankles help keep debris out of the shoe and may add a bit of ankle support.

Try to purchase your boots in advance and do practice hikes, walks, or even just walk around your house to break them in. 

Pro Tip: Wearing them in advance can also help you discover how tight to lace them, thickness of socks, and where potential hot spots might form.

 
 

Accessories

Keep these readily available in your day pack to use as needed!

  • Sun hat: We provide a Root hat that you can clip to the outside of your backpack so you don’t necessarily need to bring one.

  • Sunglasses

  • Winter hat

  • Non-cotton lightweight gloves or mittens

  • Buff: A buff is a very versatile accessory that helps protect you from the sun, wind, and many other elements.  It can also be used as an extra warm layer for your head & ears, a neck gaiter, a pony tail holder or headband, and a face covering for very windy days. Click here to browse their website!

 
 

Gear

  • Backpacking Pack (~50-55 liters in size): Backpacking packs will be provided unless you have your own that you would like to bring. We highly recommend first getting fitted for a backpack if you don’t have one. This can be done at your local REI. If you are wanting to acquire your own then there are also many second-hand gear shops that sell backpacks that are slightly used and in good conditions for less money!

  • Hydration Pack/Bladder and/or reusable water bottle (2+ liter capacity): A hydration bladder can be very useful as it allows you to stay hydrated throughout the hike without needing to stop.

  • Hiking poles, optional but recommended: Hiking poles come in handy on variable terrain and downhill hiking.  Please keep in mind that you cannot carry them onto planes (you can check them but we recommend carrying on all of your belongings.)  

    If you require collapsible hiking poles we will rent them for you!

  • Headlamp/small flashlight

  • Kula cloth: We love the Kula Pee Cloth to keep you fresh on the trail.  Click here to browse their website!

  • Dish with sides high enough to hold meals with liquid

  • Flatware: Fork, spoon and knife, we like the utensil that is a three in one to save space!

  • Mug or cup for coffee/tea

A Note About Traveling with Your Gear

We highly recommend carrying on your luggage in case of scenarios of lost or delayed luggage.

Pro-tip: Wear your gear while traveling!  Wearing your hiking boots not only saves packing space, but can also help break them in more.

Personal Items

  • ID

  • Copy of flight itinerary

  • Copy of travel insurance info

  • Some cash in smaller bills for any incidentals

  • Sunscreen and lip balm w/ SPF

  • Insect repellent (Deet is recommended)

  • Toiletries: Throughout your trip there will be no access to flush toilets or showers. Below are a couple of tips:

    • On Trail: Wet-wipes and or small quick-dry towel for ‘dry shower’

    • Dry shampoo is always a good option

    Prescription medications (kept in original containers)

  • Personal first-aid kit: including anti-itch cream for bites, pain medications, band aids, blister care, etc

    Pro-Tip: Pack some medical tape! At the slight formation of a hot spot you can apply the medical tape to prevent it turning into a blister.  A hot spot is any spot on your foot that you can feel any type of rubbing or movement within your boot.  If left untouched these spots can turn into a blisters.

 
 

Optional Items

  • Lightweight shoes/sandals for use at camp: We love having a lightweight shoe or sandal for after hiking.  After a long day on your feet and in hiking boots a change of shoes feels incredible.

  • Travel pillow

    Pro-tip: Use the bag that your sleeping bag came in and stuff it with clothing to make a makeshift pillow.

  • Camera (fully charged) and optional extra batteries

  • Swimsuit: If your hotel offers a pool or a hot tub you may want a soak!

  • Notebook and pen will be provided by Root

  • Paperback or digital book for down times.  You can always download a book onto your phone to save space.