What to pack for yellowstone?

What to Pack for Yellowstone Backcountry Hiking

• Answer:

  Yellowstone backcountry hiking is awesome enough to take your breath away, strenuous enough to give you a glorious workout and rugged enough to kill you. The latter can be avoided with trip preparation. This means bringing all the vital necessities to not only keep you comfortable, but to keep you alive. A few strategic tips will help you know what to pack for Yellowstone backcountry hiking. Difficulty: Moderate Things You'll Need Instructions Obtain your paperwork. Permits are needed to camp or hike in the Yellowstone area. Check the Resources below on how to obtain one to make sure you are not breaking any park rules. Another piece of paper you don't want to be without is a map of the area. These are available through the park office or also in Resources below. Bring proper clothing. Adequate hiking boots are your number one priority. They must be able to withstand all types of weather and terrain. No matter what time of year you hit the backcountry, you'll also want a long sleeve top, long pants, hat and gloves, extra socks and rain gear. A gloriously hot, sunny day can turn cold and brutal on a dime, even in the summer. Carry your camping stuff. Depending on the length of your trip, you may need a quality tent, sleeping bags and, at the very least, an extra blanket or two. Don't forget food and water. Even a day trip is going to warrant fast, energy-packed snacks, like nuts and granola, as well as a large canteen of water. Longer trips require meals. Canned goods and other foodstuff that does not go bad without refrigeration are prime eats. Make sure you have the proper utensils, like a can opener, to eat the food you bring. A cooking pot is vital to also purify any natural water you want to drink. Remember your first aid kit. A small bag filled with bandages, gauze, tape and a wound ointment is essential on any backcountry hiking trip. You never know what injuries may befall you and you need to be ready. All of these items can be found at your local pharmacy. Make room for the miscellaneous. Other backcountry necessities include bug repellent, sunscreen, a Swiss army knife or other type of versatile utensil, and twine to secure your backpack or hang your food on a branch to keep it away from bears. Toilet paper is a nice touch, as is a small shovel to dig small holes to bury any human waste. Bring a stash of small trash bags to carry out your other waste products, such as tin cans, bandage wrappings and the bag from your granola bar. Don't forget your camera. Tips & Warnings Tip: If camping overnight, you'll also want to include a few toiletries like deodorant, soap and unscented skin lotion. Warning: Hang anything scented, including soap, away from the reach of bears.