What To Wear To Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park beckons explorers with its grandeur, but as you venture into this diverse and dynamic landscape, what you wear can greatly impact your comfort and enjoyment. In this blog post, we’ll dive what you should pack for your adventures in Yellowstone. From adaptable layers to footwear that can tackle any terrain, we'll guide you through a checklist of the essentials of wardrobe selection, ensuring that your journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness is not only memorable but also perfectly suited to the challenges and beauty that await.
Before we get into the necessary pack list, here are some just for fun park tees I found on Etsy.
Yellowstone Packing List
✓ Sturdy Footwear
A pair of hiking boots with good traction is essential for hiking in most National Parks where you are unique terrain. In Yellowstone, most trails have an easy wooden boardwalk. Some trails can be slippery though like Mammoth Hot Springs, so its always best practice to wear hiking shoes or boots.
✓ Quick Dry Clothing And Layer Up!
Quick Dry Clothing is always the best choice for hiking. This way if you sweat it’ll dry quickly and the fabric wicking helps prevent the stink that can go along with it. Some of my favorites are Vuori and Outdoor Voices.
✓ Hat & Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the sun with a brimmed baseball hat or a full brim breathable hat. If you go in the colder months, bring a beanie along too. Yellowstone can be really hot, but even in the summer the weather drops and it gets really cold at night. Remember to always check the weather forecast before your trip.
✓ Neck Gator Or Bandana
Neck gaiters are versatile in both warm and cold conditions. They can effectively absorb excess sweat in hot weather and provide warmth to your neck in colder temperatures. Additionally, I think they’re a cute and outdoorsy addition to any outfit.
✓ Polarized Sunglasses
Pack a pair of Sunski sunglasses with polarized lenses. My current top choice is the rose-tinted lenses which enhance the beauty of any picturesque view. Notably, these sunglasses are crafted from recycled materials and contribute 1% of their sales to environmental non-profit organizations.
✓ Daypack With A Water Bladder Or A Camelbak
For your day-long hikes in Yellowstone, having a day pack such as the Camelbak 2.5L (approximately 85 ounces) is ideal for carrying an ample supply of water, snacks, and necessary items. Don’t leave the hotel without provisions. Yellowstone has only a limited number of convenience stores and restaurants across the entire massive park.
This photo was taken with an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens
✓ Camera Gear
Bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights. I brought a pretty hefty zoom lens to capture images of the bison that roam Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley.
✓ Flashlight Or Headlamp
Bring a flashlight or headlamp. This isn’t an absolute necessity in Yellowstone because most of the popular sites are easy to navigate, but it’s always good practice as a hiker for safety, or in case you want to catch a trail before sunrise or as sunset.
✓ Swimsuit (if visiting in summer)
Yellowstone has hot springs and swimming areas, but make sure you do your research! Most of the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone are incredibly dangerous, and trying to swim in them can be deadly.
Cold Weather In Yellowstone
Yellowstone's weather can vary, so pack lightweight layers that can be easily added or removed. Even in the summer, nights can be chilly.
✓ Puffer Jacket
Winter temperatures in Yellowstone can become quite frigid. Opting for a puffer jacket is an excellent choice due to its lightweight nature and easy layering capability. I'm particularly fond of the vibrant and striking colors found in the puffer jackets from Cotopaxi.
✓ Pullovers
During the winter months or chilly nights in Yellowstone, having a lightweight pullover or long-sleeve shirt serves as a great layering option.
✓ Just For Fun Park Tees
While these T-shirts aren't essential for hiking, they’re fun tanks and tees featuring Yellowstone National Park. I stumbled upon these particular shirts on Etsy and ended up buying the cute vintage-looking campfire bear (yellow shirt below).
I hope this list helps you pack for the amazing trip you’ll have to Yellowstone, a true natural wonder.
