What to Pack for Yosemite National Park

Adventure Guidelines

• The climate in these parks will be very hot most of the adventure. Variable temperatures are possible, but guest should be prepared for very hot days. Higher elevations (8,000-9,500 ft.) can mean cooler temperatures and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, so a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket and sturdy hiking shoes are essential.
• Bring a backpack big enough to accommodate for a packed lunch and 2 liters of water.
• Temperatures in Fresno, Wawona and the Valley can easily be over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so guests need to bring multiple water bottles with a carrying capacity of at least 2 liters for longer hikes. We recommend a 3-liter camelback to carry enough water.
• High altitude sun can burn in any season—sun hats, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and lots of sunscreen are suggested year-round.
• Bring comfortable clothing that is appropriate for hiking. Your clothing length and weight will depend on temperatures as well as the level of sun protection you require.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Warm, windproof fleece
• Lightweight down jacket or wool sweater
  —For May, late September or October departures, to layer on when the temperature drops at night.
•  Lightweight, waterproof (not just water-resistant) rain gear 
  —We recommend a rain jacket, with hood.
•  Mid-weight hiking boots
  —Waterproof, with good tread and ankle support, broken-in to prevent blisters.
•  Extra pair of comfortable shoes
  —To wear after outdoor excursions.
• 2–3 pairs of long pants
  —Or nylon, zip-off pants—perfect for cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons.
  
• 2 pairs of shorts
  —You may not need to bring an extra pair of shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants.
•  Socks
  —Including several pairs for hikes—preferably wool or wool blend.
• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 
•  2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
•  Teva-type sandals or other sturdy water shoes
  —You will need while at Mono Lake, which is a salty lake.
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit (optional)
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee), or airport/hotel transfers for early arrivals or late departures.
• Lightweight, water-resistant daypack 
  —Daypack should be large enough to carry a packed lunch (in a soft-sided container) and at least 2 liters of water.
• Binoculars 
  —High-quality binoculars will be provided, so you only need to bring these if you prefer to use your own.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
  —Bring multiple water bottles with a carrying capacity of at least 2 liters for longer hikes. We recommend a 3-liter camelback to carry enough water.
• Sun hat with brim 
• Sunglasses with U.V. filter and secure strap
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
  —In case of power outages, or if sharing a room with another guest.
• Earplugs
• Prescription medications and favorite remedies
  —For headaches, colds, upset stomach, etc.
• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Shampoo and conditioner provided at all of our accommodations.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Insect repellent will be provided, so you only need to bring your own if you prefer a particular type.
  —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
• Lotion, sunscreen and lip balm
  —At least SPF30—western air is dry, and we will be outdoors at high elevations.
• Eye drops (optional) if you are sensitive to dry air
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  —Trekking poles (one per person) will be provided during our itinerary so you only need to bring your own if you need more than one, have some that you specifically like to use or if you are traveling on your own before or after the adventure.
  —If you are bringing poles, they must be able to fit in your checked luggage, as you generally will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
  
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Bring several sizes. These are great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment from the elements.