Packing List National Park trip

Written By Burley Clouston

Going on a trip to a national park? Awesome! Use this packing list to get ready. Now this list is under the impression you are going to do a day hike in addition to some site seeing. Also this is a general list so think about the climate. Some items you would use at Grand Teton NP you may not use at Biscayne NP.

Clothing: Two aspects when it comes to clothes, layer up and materials. **Think wool, alpaca, and synthetics like nylon or polyester for the moisture wick properties. Layer up, if you are to warm shed a layer and store in backpack.

  • Beanie**

  • Hat

  • Neck Gator

  • Gloves

  • Sunglasses

  • Base layer**

  • Mid layer**

  • Top Layer**

  • Shell/Jacket - this layer should be wind/water proof

  • Socks**

  • Hiking boots/shoes

  • Rain gear - Poncho with hood and pants

Bro Tip: If your route has water crossings carabiner clip sandals onto your backpack for a quick change

Bro Tip: If you are going to spend more money on gear have it be your footwear. Make sure to break in your footwear before going on your day hike.

Gear: The items that help you enjoy your time outdoors more! In later posts I will go into what gear I like and reviews. Lets keep this simple, bring what you got.

  • Sunscreen/lip balm

  • Bug Spray

    • Insect Repellent for you

    • Permethrin spray for your clothes and gear (It Works!)

  • Backpack

    • I like to have an integrated 2 or 3 liter water bladder

    • Big enough pack to carry your gear and all layers you may shed

  • Hiking poles

  • Cell Phone

  • Camera and associated gear

  • Flashlight / headlamp

  • Power bank / back up power

  • Water purifier

  • Knife

  • Medical Kit

Food & Water: This is a day hike so I usually go with the following and a sandwich at the half way point. If your feeling fancy grab a freeze dried meal and pack your camping stove if you have one. Remember you will need extra water for that meal.

  • Water

    • 1/2 liter per hour says REI

  • Gatoraid or Liquid IV packets

  • Half way point lunch

  • Energy Gell and bars - I pack both

    • Love this for a pick me up that you can have while still hiking

  • Celebration meal at the end!!

Navigation: Take it from someone who has been lost in the woods before, take this stuff.

  • Navigation App - I use AllTrails

    • Download your map to be used offline

    • Print your map in the event your phone dies

  • Compass

  • Visit the ranger station and grab a map, talk to the ranger

Protection: This decision is very personal and the subject of many debates. Whichever you chose know how to use it and I hope you never need to.

  • Bear spray

  • Firearm

Please stay tuned for more blog posts and product reviews. I hope this was helpful and let me know what I missed.

Burley Clouston