What to Pack for Your Grand Teton National Park Vacation | Spring/Summer
Planning a vacation to Grand Teton National Park is super exciting! With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and thrilling outdoor activities, this national park offers endless opportunities for exploration. If you are still trying to figure out plans, be sure to check out my previous blog: Summer in Grand Teton National Park | Best Hikes, Bites, and Shops to Enjoy.
To make the most of your trip, it's important to pack the right gear.
In this blog, we will guide you through a comprehensive list of items that will enhance your experience in Grand Teton National Park. Reminder, these are just my personal opinions after working a summer seasonal job in the area. Enjoy!
For the Fashionistas that will be exploring the town regularly, make sure you bring a few of your best Western outfits. You can shop your cowboy hat ahead of time, or pick one up in the town square. My sister and her husband loved wearing their new felt hats to dinner, shopping, and of course the Hootenanny!
I absolutely adore this Cowboy Hat from American Hat Makers. But, I also would recommend checking out other brands such as Stetson or Gigi Pip Hats as well! They have stunning hat choices! These will definitely add a touch of Western flair to your outfit.
Osprey Day Pack: A reliable backpack is essential for this trip. I have tried hiking with a fanny pack before, but you will definitely need more space for an adequate amount of water on the trail. I think having a hydration reservoir is an important feature for any hiking backpack that you choose. My sister bought the Osprey Dyna Running Vest for the Tetons and that is a great option as well. The Osprey Mira 22, Sirrus 24, and Daylite offer comfort, durability, and plenty of storage space for all your hiking essentials. With its hydration reservoir and convenient pockets, this backpack ensures that you have easy access to water and other necessities on the trail. CamelBak is another great brand of hiking packs!
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles: Trekking poles provide stability and support, especially during challenging hikes. I go back and forth using my poles depending on the trail and how much I am carrying in my backpack. I bought these during my summer seasonal job in Grand Teton National Park, and they are absolutely amazing. The Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles are lightweight, and they can pack down small enough to fit in my Blue Ice Firecrest Backpack.
Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank: Keep your electronic devices charged throughout your trip. This compact and portable power bank ensures that you can capture photos, navigate trails using GPS, and stay connected during your adventures. Charge this overnight and throw it in your backpack before hitting the trails. Jessee and I would recommend Goal Zero batteries to anyone! They are made incredibly well and we really support this brand!
Patagonia Women's Granite Crest Rain Jacket: The weather in Grand Teton National Park can be unpredictable, so it's wise to pack a reliable rain jacket. I really appreciate outdoor clothing items that can be packed down. When you search for your next rain jacket, look for the “Self-Stuffs into Pocket” feature. My best rain jackets use “Gore-tex Technology” or something similar so the rain will roll right off the jacket. The Patagonia Women's Granite Crest Rain Jacket is waterproof, breathable, and lightweight ensuring that you stay dry without compromising comfort during unexpected showers. This jacket also comes in lots of other color options!
Sunbum Mineral SPF 50: Don't forget to prioritize your skin's health while enjoying the great outdoors. Shielding yourself from the sun is crucial in the high-altitude environment of Grand Teton National Park. Sunbum Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful sun rays without the use of harmful chemicals, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin and a great choice for the environment as well!
REI Co-op Multi Towel Deluxe or Sea to Summit Tek Towel: Many of the trails and activities that I mentioned in my previous blog about Grand Teton National Park, include splashing into some water. A compact and absorbent towel is essential for various activities. When you spend the day hiking to an alpine lake, someone in the group is bound to jump in. The REI Co-op Multi Towel Deluxe or the Sea to Summit Tek Towel are excellent choices, as they are lightweight, quick-drying, and take up minimal space in your backpack.
Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks: Comfortable socks are a must for long hikes, and these socks provide excellent moisture-wicking properties and cushioning. They help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your trek. Another favorite is the REI Merino Wool Liner Crew Socks. These are much thinner, and I love to use them in the summer.
Columbia Ivo Trail Shoe or La Sportiva Women's Spire GTX Waterproof Light Hiking Shoe: A good pair of hiking shoes is essential for traversing the rugged trails of the park. You may already have your hiking shoes or boots picked out, but if you don’t, I would suggest either of these! I figured out early on, that I typically do not enjoy wearing boots. That is just personal preference. I have used my Columbia shoes for years and they are my all-time favorites. I wear La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoes for bigger days in the mountain that include climbing or scrambling on rock faces. I like the Columbia shoe for its comfort and the La Sportiva Spire for its waterproofing. You can’t go wrong!
Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandal: Having a lightweight versatile pair of sandals like the Teva Women's Midform Universal allows you to cool your feet after a long hike or navigate through water crossings comfortably. I would not hike in these because they don’t offer much support, but they are great to throw in your pack for a little extra breathability. Jessee wears his Chacos hiking mid-summer, but they are on the heavier side, and I would not want to carry those around in my backpack all day. Also, totally a personal preference. Many of my friends love wearing their Crocs around too!
More Sun Protection: Protect your face and neck from the sun's rays with a lightweight and breathable trail hat. Here are some of my favorites below! Consider the Athlete Excursion Trail Hat by Athleta or the Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat for a full-coverage bucket-style hat. I am super excited about the Lululemon Women's Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat so that I can have my hair in a high ponytail. I love that design! You also can’t go wrong with the Patagonia Trucker Hat as it has nice breathability in the back of the noggin. Swipe right!
Glade Optics Cary Sunglasses: I am sure you already have a pair of great sunglasses, but I wanted to shout out this brand! They make very affordable sunnies. Make sure your glasses are Polarized for ultimate protection. The UV Rays are strong in the Grand Teton National Park. The Glade Optics Cary Sunglasses offer both style and UV protection, ensuring clear vision during your outdoor adventures. Jessee enjoys his Native Eyewear sunglasses. I also enjoy my Spy Ski Sunnies and Goodr Everyday Pair depending on the kind of adventure that I am going on!
Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera for Content Creators and Vloggers: Capture your memorable moments in stunning detail with this amazing Sony. This compact and powerful camera is perfect for content creators and vloggers, allowing you to document your adventures and share them with others. Jessee and I have the Sony A7III set up for our business, but for our friends looking to get away from the iPhone and take quality pictures and videos, this is a great option!
Lululemon WovenAir High-Rise Hiking Short 4": Stay cool and comfortable during warm hikes with the Lululemon WovenAir High-Rise Hiking Shorts. As I have previously mentioned, many of the hikes bring you to beautiful alpine lakes, and you want materials that will dry quickly. Designed with stretch fabric and a high-rise waistband, these shorts offer freedom of movement and breathability. I love the key holder on the waist!
Water Filter and Reusable Watter Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial during outdoor activities. Many of my friends carry a Nalgene, but I also love the HydroFlask because of its lightweight stainless steel feature. Consider bringing along the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle to drink natural water safely. I also hope to try out the Lifestraw Go Series 1L in the future. It looks like a promising design for safe drinking water from natural water sources. My sister enjoyed filling up her water bottle in a nearby alpine waterfall using the Katadyn filter! This gave us peace of mind in the mountains and we didn’t feel the need to carry gallons of water on our backs.
Klymit Ridgeline Camp Chair: Relax and unwind after a day of exploration with the Klymit Ridgeline Camp Chair. This caught my attention, because of the compact design, but also the headrest! We have used Cliq chairs for convenience, but I miss being able to rest my head at the end of a long day. These are great to have if you are driving around nearby parks. Great to have chairs for stargazing and campfire circles! Lightweight and easy to set up, this portable chair provides a comfortable seating option, whether you're camping or enjoying a scenic view.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag: Protect your belongings from water damage by using a reliable dry bag. The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag offers excellent waterproofing, making it ideal for storing clothes, electronics, and other essentials during water-based activities. If you want to go Kayaking or Paddle Boarding worry-free, this is a great place to store your phone. If you drop this bag into the water, it will float! Use a carabiner to hook this onto your watercraft or belt.
Patagonia Capilene Baselayer: Don't forget to pack a reliable baselayer for your outdoor adventures in Grand Teton National Park. This base layer is known for its exceptional moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry and comfortable during physically demanding activities. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or boating this is a versatile and essential piece of clothing to have in your gear lineup. Having longer sleeves helps block your skin from the sun, but the thin fabric keeps you cool and dry. They also make this in short sleeve options as well. I would also recommend the Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie for sun protection if you have sensitive skin. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or camping, the Patagonia Capilene Baselayer is a versatile and essential piece of clothing to have in your gear lineup.
Women's Nano Puff® Jacket: The Women's Nano Puff® Jacket by Patagonia is a lightweight and packable insulation layer that provides warmth during chilly mornings or evenings in the park. You are going to be living at 6,000 feet at the base of the mountain, and dealing with unpredictable mountain conditions, so having a warm layer is super important. Its synthetic insulation retains heat even when wet, making it a versatile option for various weather conditions.
REI Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray: I would recommend buying this when you get to the park so you don’t have to worry about problems with airport security. You will find these at every convenience store. When venturing into bear country, it's crucial to prioritize safety. The REI Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray offers peace of mind, providing a reliable means of defense against potential bear encounters. It is really for peace of mind. Jessee and I encountered bears on numerous occasions during our summer season. Ideally, you are traveling in a group and surrounded by other hikers, but sometimes the bears get a little too curious. And of course, do NOT feed the bears! Keep your distance from the moose. And of course, do NOT try to pet the bison. These fellas are not playing around.
When embarking on your Grand Teton National Park vacation, having the right gear is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and an enjoyable experience. From backpacks to hiking shoes, and sun protection to camera equipment, this comprehensive gear list will help you prepare for a memorable adventure in one of America's most stunning national parks. Remember to pack according to your specific needs and the activities you plan to engage in during your trip. Enjoy exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of Grand Teton National Park!
Happy Hiking, Em
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