Whether you're exploring the valley, hiking high country trails, or camping under the stars, having the right gear is essential for a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Here are our top 10 recommended items for kids, adults, and even pets!
1. The Right Shoes
Blisters are the number 1 issue with Yosemite adventurers, make sure that your shoes already know and love your feet by breaking them in before your vacation.
For Adults: Skip the flip flops and choose comfortable, well fitting shoes or boots with the features you need. Do you role your ankles? Then go with a boot with good ankle support. Walking in early spring or summer? Then consider waterproofing. Will you be walking creekside or over boulder? Find a shoe with a Vibram sole. Brands like Teva, Merrell, Salomon, and Keen offer great options.
For Kids: Make sure kids have sturdy, well-fitting hiking shoes to prevent blisters and slips. Tennis shoes or trainers are also great options for kiddos. Teva Canyonview is one of our favorites.
For Pets: Don't forget paw protection! Pets are only allowed on paved surfaces in Yosemite, and they get hot! Dog booties can protect your pet's paws from rough terrain and hot surfaces. Ruffwear and Ultra Paws are popular choices.
2. Layered Clothing
Yosemite’s weather can change quickly and vary dramatically between day and night so layers are key. Oh, and avoid cotton!
For Adults and Kids: Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (like fleece), and waterproof outer layers. Don’t forget a hat and gloves for cooler mornings and evenings.
For Pets: With water and shade breaks, dogs can usually regulate well. For winter travel or small pets, a lightweight, breathable dog jacket can keep your pet comfortable in varying conditions. Check out Ruffwear’s climate-friendly options.
3. Daypack with Hydration System
A good daypack is essential for carrying your gear, snacks, and water.
For Adults: Look for a daypack with a hydration bladder, plenty of pockets, and adjustable straps for comfort. Gregory or Patagonia have great options with Platypus or CamelBak hydration systems.
For Kids: Kiddos are less likely to drink enough water on the trail so a smaller daypacks with hydration bladders are essential, add a little flavor with electrolyte powder to ensure they drink! Brands like Gregory have child-friendly designs.
For Pets: A doggy backpack can let your pet carry their own water, snacks, and waste bags. Alps Mountaineering makes our favorite dog pack.
4. Snacks and Meals
Staying energized is crucial for a full day of adventure.
For Everyone: Pack a variety of high carb, high energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fruit. For longer hikes, consider lightweight, non-perishable meals like freeze-dried options from Mountain House.
For Pets: Remember, most pets have a very regimented life style, so a little extra walk may need a little extra meal. Bring your pet’s regular food and some high-energy treats. Collapsible bowls are great for feeding and hydrating on the go.
5. Navigation Tools
Stay on track with proper navigation tools.
For Adults: A GPS device or smartphone with a reliable navigation app (like AllTrails or Gaia GPS) is essential. Always carry a paper map and maybe a compass as backups.
For Kids: Teach kids basic map reading and compass skills. A simple, durable compass can make a fun and educational addition to their gear.
For Pets: Consider a GPS tracker for your pet's collar, especially if they tend to wander. Brands like Whistle and Fi offer reliable options.
6. First Aid Kit
Be prepared for minor injuries with a well-stocked first aid kit.
For Everyone: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Adventure Medical Kits offer compact, comprehensive options.
For Pets: Pack a pet-specific first aid kit with items like pet-safe antiseptic, bandages, and tick removal tools. Neosporn is toxic if dogs lick or consume it, so consider Bactroban. Adventure Medical Kits also offers pup specific kits!
7. Sun Protection
Protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harsh rays even if you dont usually use sunblock.
For Everyone: Pack broad-spectrum sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
For Pets: Pets can get sunburned too, especially those with short or light-colored fur. Pet-safe sunscreen is available from brands like Epi-Pet.
8. Emergency Essentials
Prepare for unexpected situations.
For Everyone: We recommend essentials trekking poles, multi-tool, water filter, a whistle, a headlamp, and an emergency blanket. Enough snacks or food for an overnight emergency. Consider a portable charger for your electronic devices.
For Pets: Keep an extra leash and an extra days' worth of food.
9. Comfort Items
Ensure everyone stays comfortable during breaks and at camp.
For Adults: A lightweight camping chair or a sitting pad can provide comfort during breaks. We love Crazy Creek chairs.
For Kids: Pack a favorite stuffed animal and travel games to keep kids entertained and comforted.
For Pets: Bring a portable pet bed or blanket for your pet to rest on during breaks. Protip: use a Ther-A-Rest Z Rest for a ultra-light, dog-proof dog bed!
10. Waste Management
Keep Yosemite pristine by packing out all waste.
For Everyone: Bring zip lock bag with pet waste bags, a trowel for digging catholes, and toilet paper. All toilet paper can be hidden in a pet bag and then sealed in a zip lock until you reach a trash can.
For Pets: Pack plenty of pet waste bags and always clean up after your pet.
What to leave at home:
Bear spray - Yosemite is home to black bears who are not known for attacking humans. You are likely to do more harm to yourself with bear spray. Fun fact: Bears actually like taste and smell of capsaicin, so bear spray can actually become a bear attractant after the spray has settled!
Outdoor speaker - This should be self evident, but no one goes on a hike to listen to someone else’s music.
Cologne or perfume - This can be really hard on folks who have been in the backcountry for a while and can attract bears and animals to your campsite or car if you bring it with you.
Weapons - Again, we dont really have blood thirsty animals in Yosemite and crime is very low, so bringing weapons into the park can unintentionally cause more harm than leaving them at home.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Yosemite Adventure
Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and park alerts before you go.
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your activities early in the day.
Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water and take regular hydration breaks.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed animals.
Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to keep Yosemite beautiful for future visitors.
By packing the right gear, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure in Yosemite for you, your kids, and your pets. Happy exploring!
Commentaires