Ultimate National Park Packing List

# Ultimate National Park Packing List

Whether you're day hiking or camping for a week, proper preparation makes all the difference. Use this comprehensive checklist for your next park adventure.

## The Essentials (Every Trip)

### Navigation
- [ ] Trail maps (paper backup)
- [ ] Compass
- [ ] GPS device or phone with offline maps
- [ ] Park brochure

### Sun Protection
- [ ] Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- [ ] Sunglasses
- [ ] Sun hat or cap
- [ ] Lip balm with SPF
- [ ] Sun-protective clothing

### Hydration
- [ ] Water bottles (at least 2L capacity)
- [ ] Water filter or purification tablets
- [ ] Electrolyte packets

### Nutrition
- [ ] Trail snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit)
- [ ] Lunch for day hikes
- [ ] Emergency food

### First Aid
- [ ] First aid kit
- [ ] Personal medications
- [ ] Blister treatment
- [ ] Insect repellent
- [ ] EpiPen (if needed)

### Emergency Gear
- [ ] Whistle
- [ ] Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
- [ ] Fire starter
- [ ] Emergency blanket
- [ ] Multi-tool or knife

## Day Hiking Gear

### Clothing
- [ ] Moisture-wicking base layer
- [ ] Insulating mid-layer
- [ ] Waterproof/windproof jacket
- [ ] Hiking pants or shorts
- [ ] Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- [ ] Hiking boots or shoes
- [ ] Extra socks

### Equipment
- [ ] Daypack (20-30L)
- [ ] Trekking poles (optional)
- [ ] Camera
- [ ] Binoculars
- [ ] Sit pad

## Camping Gear

### Shelter
- [ ] Tent with footprint
- [ ] Tent stakes and guylines
- [ ] Repair tape

### Sleep System
- [ ] Sleeping bag (appropriate temperature rating)
- [ ] Sleeping pad
- [ ] Pillow (or stuff sack)
- [ ] Earplugs

### Kitchen
- [ ] Camp stove and fuel
- [ ] Cookware (pot, pan)
- [ ] Utensils (spork, spatula)
- [ ] Plates/bowls
- [ ] Cups/mugs
- [ ] Knife
- [ ] Cooler with ice (car camping)
- [ ] Food storage (bear canister if required)
- [ ] Water container (5+ gallons for camp)
- [ ] Dish soap and scrubber
- [ ] Trash bags

### Camp Comfort
- [ ] Camp chair or seat
- [ ] Lantern or candle
- [ ] Campfire supplies (if fires allowed)
- [ ] Entertainment (books, cards, games)

## Clothing for Multi-Day Trips

### Hot Weather
- [ ] Lightweight long sleeve shirts
- [ ] Convertible pants
- [ ] Sandals for camp
- [ ] Bandana or buff
- [ ] Light rain jacket

### Cold Weather
- [ ] Base layers (top and bottom)
- [ ] Fleece or puffy jacket
- [ ] Insulated jacket
- [ ] Warm hat and gloves
- [ ] Neck gaiter
- [ ] Insulated boots

### Rain Gear
- [ ] Waterproof jacket
- [ ] Waterproof pants
- [ ] Pack cover or liner
- [ ] Gaiters (optional)

## Tech & Photography

### Electronics
- [ ] Camera and lenses
- [ ] Tripod
- [ ] Memory cards
- [ ] Batteries and chargers
- [ ] Power bank
- [ ] Phone and charger

### For Remote Areas
- [ ] Satellite communicator (InReach, etc.)
- [ ] Two-way radios
- [ ] Solar charger

## Personal Items

### Toiletries
- [ ] Toothbrush and toothpaste
- [ ] Biodegradable soap
- [ ] Toilet paper
- [ ] Trowel (for backcountry)
- [ ] Wet wipes
- [ ] Deodorant
- [ ] Prescription medications

### Documents
- [ ] ID and credit cards
- [ ] Cash
- [ ] Permits
- [ ] Insurance information
- [ ] Emergency contacts

## Wildlife Safety

### Bear Country
- [ ] Bear spray
- [ ] Bear canister or bear bag system
- [ ] Rope for hanging food

### General Wildlife
- [ ] Binoculars
- [ ] Field guides
- [ ] Know park-specific wildlife guidelines

## Vehicle Prep

### Car Emergency Kit
- [ ] Spare tire and jack
- [ ] Jumper cables
- [ ] Tire pressure gauge
- [ ] Basic tool kit
- [ ] Flashlight
- [ ] Road flares
- [ ] First aid kit

### Extras for Remote Areas
- [ ] Extra fuel
- [ ] Extra water
- [ ] Extra food
- [ ] Tow strap
- [ ] Recovery boards (for sand/mud)

## Packing Tips

### Layering Principle
1. Base layer (moisture management)
2. Mid layer (insulation)
3. Outer layer (weather protection)

### Weight Distribution
- Heavy items close to back and centered
- Frequently needed items accessible
- Balance left and right sides

### Don't Forget
- To check weather forecasts
- To verify road conditions
- To download offline maps
- To inform someone of your plans

## Printable Checklist

Copy this list and customize for your specific trip. Cross off items that don't apply and add park-specific requirements.

*Plan your adventure with our trip planner!*