National parks packing list
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- 24 in 4 sections
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- Day pack, every hike · Clothes and shoes · In the car
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US national parks are big, remote and often hours from a shop. This list is what we would put in the car for a road trip through the western parks — desert and mountains in the same week — with the day pack you carry on every trail. Tick items as you pack: your progress stays in this browser. Then print it or save it as a PDF.
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What to leave at home
- Drones: banned in national parks.
- Too much cotton: it stays wet and cold. Pick quick-dry fabrics.
- Bear spray on the plane: you cannot fly with it. Buy or rent it near Yellowstone, Grand Teton or Glacier.
- Your dog on the trails: most park trails do not allow pets.
Check the fees and reservation rules of each park before you go: see our park pass guide and the national park guides.
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Checklist questions
What should I pack for a national park road trip?
Layers for heat and cold, sturdy shoes, a day pack with plenty of water, sun protection, an offline map and your park pass. Buy food and water by the case at the first supermarket.
How much water should I carry in the parks?
At least 2 litres per person for a short hike, and much more in desert heat. In desert heat, plan on roughly half a litre to a litre per hour of hiking.
Do I need bear spray?
In grizzly country (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier) it is strongly recommended on trails. You cannot fly with it: buy or rent it locally.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Use the “Print / Save as PDF” button: the menu and footer are removed and the list prints in black on white.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.