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Are you wondering what to bring to the Glacier National Park? First of all, remember that the park pass is required to access over 2000 federal recreation sites. You can purchase an annual pass to Glacier National Park. It costs around $80. For military personnel, 4th-grade students, children under 15 years and volunteers, access to the park is free.
I am Eddie. I have gained a lot of experience as a kid tourist. I truly enjoy hiking and know my way around the parks. I also experienced different traumas, peaks, fatigue, so be sure that I know what to do no matter what problem occurs! But I still remember the joy the hiking brings.
Are you ready to explore Glacier’s backcountry? I have arranged a special Glacier National Park Backpacking list to help you in planning your trip. The list is a must-have for beginners, who are going on an on-guide trip to the Glacier National Park. With my special list, packing up will get effortless, no matter when you plan to visit the park: during cold winter or hot summer!
Glacier National Park Packing List for the Spring or Summer
There is a complete guide to help you pack for the spring and summer seasons at the Glacier National Park right below.
What to Wear to Glacier National Park: Clothing and Footwear
The Glacier has a base elevation which is set at approximately 4,450 feet, with 3,110 feet on the east side. Daily temperatures for the summer season range between 70 to 80°F with a daily average set at 45°F. However, the average temperatures get lower when you reach high peaks. As a hiker, you should have insulated clothing with you.
Here is a complete Glacier National Park backpacking list to make your packing easier:
- Insulated jacket
- Fleece pants
- Fast-drying underwear
- Fast-drying sports bra
- Fast-drying long underwear
- Fast-drying T-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproof rain pants
- Sandals for relaxing in the camp
- Wool socks with spares
- Buff
Food and Water
My lifehack is to pack energy bars, nuts, and jerky with you, as these snacks can be eaten quickly while you are on the trail. You don’t really want to spend several days eating only porridge and drinking water, do you? That’s why I strongly recommend packing your favorite delicious snacks for the trip.
When it comes to water, you can start off with about two liters per person on a daily basis. However, you can add a few liters to the total amount of water, depending on the hiking route, your age, weather conditions, and other related factors. It is important to develop a healthy eating habit that is still controlled at different stages of the hike, as all resources are limited.
- Water bottlers
- Trail snacks
- Water purifier
- Extra food for emergencies
Glacier National Park Packing List: Emergency and First Aid
There might be some days when you will get injured or have health issues while being deep in the woods. Even though the park has a designated emergency center, it is better to be well-prepared. These first aid kit cares for splinters, small cuts, nose bleedings, and other minor injuries while hiking.
- First aid kit filled with supplies
- Emergency shelter
- Lighters
- Two itineraries
- Whistles
Glacier National Park Packing List: Tools and Repair Items
These items are important in setting up your sleeping place. However, you need to know how to set up a camping site before going on a trip. Some of these items are available at the park, but it is better to come prepared.
- Duct tape
- Multi-tool
- Additional cord
- Small dustpan
- Hammer for fixing nails
- Ax for splitting wood
- Tent pole repair sleeve
Glacier National Park Packing List: Personal Items
Some of these personal items are optional, and you can do well without some of them. However, some are required, such as the pass for accessing the various recreation sites. Others are not a requirement but are nice to have, in case you are not bothered with extra weight in your luggage.
- Pass
- ID
- Smartphone
- Cash
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush
- Personal wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Biodegradable soap
- Sanitization towel
- Insect repellant
- Bear spray
- Plastic zip-top bags
- Fast-drying towel
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Personal location beacon
- Field guides
Glacier National Park Packing List: Adventure Gear
You still want to have some time to relax when on the trail. Here are some of the things you should pack to make your life easier while out there.
- Strapped sandals
- Pouch bag for carrying electronics
- Daypack
- Hammock
- Signaling safety whistle
- Packs of plastic bags for holding trash from each site visited
- Trekking poles
- Sports wristwatch with alarm
Even as an expert, there were situations when I was lost in my hiking spree. Sometimes it gets hard to keep track of the distance covered when traveling. Therefore, it is important to be well-equipped and have a tour guide in addition to having a map and a compass.
In case you will be visiting different recreation sites in the park, it is highly recommended to have tools that will guide you throughout your adventure.
- Portable GPS
- Chargers (make sure you have charging stations around your camp for charging your devices before leaving for the hike)
- Compass and map
- Maps guidebook
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Travel lantern
- Pen or pencil
Glacier National Park Packing List: Packing Up for the Winter
These recommended winter hiking clothing and gear will protect you from the cold temperatures which are common during the winter season. When it comes to gearing for winter day hiking, you need footwear, clothing for a different range of temperatures.
The temperatures ranges from 40 degrees and can fall down to below zero. The wind speed can be as high as 50 mph. The sunshine is also intense. There are different types of precipitation like rain, freezing rain, freezing fog, sleet, and blowing snow. The surface ranges from deep snow to bare rock, and soft or hard ice.
Here is a list of clothes to bring with you during the winter season.
What to Wear to Glacier National Park
Outwear is your first protection against the weather elements. Packing the right clothes for this purpose will keep you dry and warm throughout the journey. Glacier National Park hiking gear should include:
- Heavy coat – It is advised to keep the coat bulky to keep you extra warm when hiking the cold mountains.
- Rain jacket – There are high chances you will have to go under heavy rains in most of the park.
- Activewear coat.
- Quarter-zip/pullover.
Pants
Pants are a must if you want to keep your lower body warm and protected. They also come in handy when storing some items you want to access while on the go. You will need a wide range of pants to survive the winter in the park.
- Leggings – They are incredibly practical and take a little space when being packed. Leggings are comfortable, especially when you spend the nights in your camp or cabin.
- Thermal underwear – These add extra warmth to your body.
- Sweatpants – These suit best for the chilly morning weather when camping around a fire. They guarantee you stay warm prolong the night.
- Dark jeans – The dark-colored denim pants go well with any other wear; hence, the versatile piece of clothing is great to maintain your style while hiking.
Shirts
- Sweaters – It is highly recommended to pack various neutral colors, then mix and match them with different outfits.
- Cozy shirts – These are great when going out for an evening walk in the mountains or hanging around the lodge.
- Slippers – These suit best for keeping your toes warm, especially on the hardwood floors or tiles. It will also give your feet breathing space after wearing boots the whole day.
Glacier National Park Hiking Gear
- Insulated hiking boots
- High gaiters
- Warm socks with added sock liners (optional)
Hats
- Lightweight fleece or wool hat
- Heavyweight fleece
Gloves
- Waterproof gloves or mittens fitted with insulated liners
- Lightweight fleece or wool gloves
Base Layer Insulation
- Long underwear
- Long sleeve jersey
- Fleece jacket
- Insulated vest
- Softshell jacket
- Fleece vest
Spare Clothing
- Long underwear
- Extra pair of socks
- Long sleeve jersey
Glacier National Park Packing List: Winter Traction Aids
- Microspikes
- Snowshoes
Glacier National Park Packing List: Backpack
- Extra webbed straps required for attaching other gear
- Close to 30-40 liter backpack with side compression straps fitted with a shovel pocket for attachment of snowshoes and also micro pikes to the bag pack.
Glacier National Park Packing List: Campsite
- Sleeping bags
- Camping pillow
- Tent
- Camp chairs
- Headlamps
- Lantern
- Camp table
- Camp chair
- Sleeping pads for camping
- Torch
- Sleeping bag liners (optional)
- Cots (optional)
- Camp rug (optional)
- Hammock (optional)
Glacier National Park Packing List: Other Optional Backpacking Gear
The list contains some optional luxuries which can give you that extra comfort on your trip. You should consider packing these items for your next trip.
- Binoculars
- Waterproof pack cover
- Digital camera
- Book
- Journal
- Ax for ice
- Rope
- Backpacker guitar
Final Thoughts on Packing List for Glacier National Park
When packing for a trip to the Glacier National Park, it is highly recommended to go through these lists to make sure you take all the important stuff with you. The checklist is comprehensive. It will prepare you for different activities you might want to take up while visiting the park. These are mountain trips, visits to recreation sites, camping, hiking, and short treks.
Apart from checking my list, make sure to think about your individual necessities and special things to take to the journey. But all of the essential items, which might get in handy for your hike, are on this list. Remember: the longer the hike lasts, the more clothing, hiking gear, and water you need. Let me know about your experience in the Glacier National Park in the comments section below!
FAQ
What to take with you to Glacier National Park in August?
In general, you should pack for a glacier national park in August according to the temperature and weather conditions that are typical for this time of year. However, since glaciers can be found in many different parts of the world, it is always a good idea to check the forecast for the specific area you will be visiting before packing your bags.
How many glaciers are still in Glacier National Park?
As of today, 25 glaciers are known to be located in Glacier National Park.
How long does it take to get from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park?
It takes approximately 9h to drive from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park. It all depends on the chosen type of transport, route and weather conditions.
When do the campgrounds in Glacier National Park open?
All campgrounds in Glacier National Park are now open for the season.
Where is Glacier National Park located?
Glacier National Park is located in the US state of Montana.
What is the depth of Lake St. Mary in Glacier National Park?
St. Mary’s Lake has a depth of 32 feet.
Are there campgrounds for RVs in Glacier National Park?
Yes, there are RV campsites in the park. You can come here to relax and visit the national park with your family or friends.
Why visit Glacier National Park?
There are many reasons to visit Glacier National Park. Some of them include: to experience its natural beauty, see its diverse wildlife, hike its many trails, and learn about its history and culture.