Footwear
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- 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots (broken in)
- 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Teva/Chaco/Keen sandals, or crocs for general use
- 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (some people also like to wear liner socks)
Clothing
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- 1-2 pairs of comfortable, lightweight, synthetic hiking pants (zip-offs work well)
- 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun/bug protection (button-up front is the best)
- 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
- 1 lightweight long underwear top (silk, wool, or synthetic equivalent)
- 1 medium-weight top layer (wool shirt/pullover or synthetic equivalent, fleece pullover, or vest)
- 1 mid-weight fleece or down jacket
- 1 ball cap or hat for sun protection
- Lightweight wool or fleece hat, wide-brimmed hat
- 1 rain parka and rain pants/rain skirt (waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-Tex)
- Underwear and nightwear
- 1-2 changes of comfortable clothes
- 1 pair of wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves
Equipment/essentials
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- 1 pair of trekking poles (required)
- 1 daypack (24-30L)
- Rain cover or heavy-duty plastic bag to waterproof your pack
- Small headlamp or flashlight
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Sunglasses (100% UV protection) with retention strap
- 1-2 bandannas
- Ear plugs
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Extra snacks (snacks will be provided by your guides)
- Plastic/Tupperware-type container for lunch/sandwich
- Spork for trail lunches
Toiletries (small sizes)
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- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal items (contact lens supplies, sanitary items, personal medications)
- Shampoo
- Personal first aid/patch kit (Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed or blister bandages, ibuprofen, anaphylactic kit if allergic to insect bites)
Optional items
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- Camera and film/memory card (extra batteries)
- Pocketknife
- Short ankle gaiters
- Shorts
- Cell phone and charger
- Wristwatch/travel alarm clock
- Compact binoculars
- Journal and pen
- Lightweight umbrella
- National Park Pass (annual, golden, or military; may entitle you to additional amenities/perks at parks)
On Day 2, you will hike before checking in, so come dressed in hiking clothes with boots, hiking poles, and water easily accessible in your luggage or backpack. Easily accessible water is crucial for all hikes—consider a water bottle attached to your waist strap or a hydration system.
Your daypack should hold 2L of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, a warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat, and personal items like a camera. A 24-30L daypack with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters is recommended.
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Loved the national parks (absolutely stunning!!) and the physical challenge. Guides were fantastic. Took time and effort to learn the group and our own individual needs.