Recommended Gear
The right gear makes all the difference. Here's what experienced park visitors recommend.
The Ten Essentials - Never Hike Without Them
Day Hiking Essentials
Must-haves for any day hike in the parks.
Osprey Talon 22 Backpack
Perfect size for day hikes with excellent ventilation, hipbelt pockets, and hydration compatibility. Fits most torsos comfortably.
Budget alternative: REI Co-op Flash 22 ($70) for budget option
Check Price on Amazon →Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Best-in-class trail runners with Gore-Tex waterproofing. Light enough for speed, supportive enough for rocky terrain. Break them in before your trip.
Budget alternative: Merrell Moab 3 ($135) for wider feet
Check Price on Amazon →Hydrapak Flux 1.5L
Collapsible, durable reservoir with quick-disconnect hose. Fits any pack and rolls up when empty. BPA-free and taste-neutral.
Budget alternative: Nalgene 32oz bottles ($15) if you prefer bottles
Check Price on Amazon →Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Reduces knee impact by 25% on descents. Collapsible for scrambles. Cork grips absorb sweat and mold to your hands over time.
Budget alternative: Cascade Mountain Tech ($35) from Costco for budget
Check Price on Amazon →Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
450 lumens with red light mode to preserve night vision. Rechargeable via USB-C. Always carry one even for day hikes - you never know.
Budget alternative: Black Diamond Spot 400 ($50)
Check Price on Amazon →Garmin inReach Mini 2
Satellite messenger for emergencies when you have no cell service. Send SOS, text loved ones, and share location. Peace of mind is priceless.
Budget alternative: Zoleo ($200) for budget satellite messenger
Check Price on Amazon →Camping Gear
Sleep well at park campgrounds.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The gold standard for backpacking tents. Freestanding, under 3 lbs, excellent ventilation. Two doors and vestibules for easy access.
Budget alternative: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ ($280) for car camping
Check Price on Amazon →Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
R-value 4.2 keeps you warm down to freezing. Quiet fabric, stable baffles, and packs down small. Integrated pump sack makes inflation easy.
Budget alternative: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol ($50) for indestructible foam
Check Price on Amazon →Western Mountaineering UltraLite
Rated to 20°F, weighs just 1 lb 13 oz. Premium 850+ fill goose down. Overstuffed for extra warmth. A lifetime investment.
Budget alternative: Kelty Cosmic 20 ($150) for great budget value
Check Price on Amazon →Jetboil Flash
Boils 2 cups in 100 seconds. All-in-one system with pot, burner, and igniter. Essential for morning coffee and dehydrated meals.
Budget alternative: MSR PocketRocket 2 ($50) for lighter weight
Check Price on Amazon →BearVault BV500
Required in many parks including Yosemite and Sequoia. Fits 7 days of food. Clear design lets you see contents. Bear-tested and approved.
Budget alternative: Ursack Major ($100) where allowed - lighter but requires tree tie
Check Price on Amazon →Helinox Chair Zero
Weighs just 1 lb but supports 265 lbs. Packs smaller than a water bottle. Game-changer for campsite comfort after long hikes.
Budget alternative: REI Flexlite Air ($100)
Check Price on Amazon →Clothing Layers
Dress for mountain weather.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily
Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, sun protection (UPF 50). Works in hot and cool weather. No cotton - it holds sweat and makes you cold.
Budget alternative: REI Sahara ($35)
Check Price on Amazon →Patagonia Nano Puff
Synthetic insulation works when wet. Packs into its own pocket. Warm enough for most 3-season conditions. Layer under rain shell when cold.
Budget alternative: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down ($60) for budget
Check Price on Amazon →Arc'teryx Beta LT
Gore-Tex protection in a lightweight, packable jacket. Hood fits over helmets, pit zips for ventilation. The best all-around rain jacket.
Budget alternative: REI Rainier ($100) for 90% of the performance at 25% the price
Check Price on Amazon →prAna Stretch Zion Pants
Stretchy, quick-dry, roll-up legs for wading. Gusseted crotch for mobility. Look good enough for town after the trail.
Budget alternative: REI Sahara pants ($70)
Check Price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew
Merino wool prevents blisters and controls odor. Lifetime warranty - they'll replace them forever. Buy several pairs.
Budget alternative: Smartwool Hike Light ($22)
Check Price on Amazon →Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
UPF 50 protection with removable cape that covers neck and ears. Looks dorky, works brilliantly. Essential in desert parks.
Budget alternative: Any wide-brim hat with chin strap
Check Price on Amazon →Photography Gear
Capture park memories.
Sony A7C II
Full-frame quality in a compact body. Excellent low-light for sunrise/sunset. Flip screen for creative angles. Great balance of features and portability.
Budget alternative: Sony A6700 ($1,400) for APS-C or Fujifilm X-T5 ($1,700)
Check Price on Amazon →Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
The landscape lens. Sharp corner-to-corner, fast aperture for astro. Light for a pro zoom. Worth every penny for serious landscape work.
Budget alternative: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 ($900) for budget wide angle
Check Price on Amazon →Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM
Essential for wildlife from safe distances. Excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, internal zoom. Heavy but worth it for bison, bears, and birds.
Budget alternative: Sony 70-350mm ($1,000) for APS-C or Sigma 100-400mm ($900)
Check Price on Amazon →Peak Design Travel Tripod
Compact design packs incredibly small but extends to full height. Ball head included. The best travel tripod on the market.
Budget alternative: Manfrotto Befree ($180)
Check Price on Amazon →NiSi V6 Filter Kit
Graduated ND filters balance bright skies with dark foregrounds. Polarizer cuts glare from water and enhances skies. Essential for landscape pros.
Budget alternative: K&F Concept filter set ($100) for beginners
Check Price on Amazon →Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
Customizable dividers, quick side access, weatherproof. Fits camera gear plus layers and snacks. Doesn't scream "expensive camera inside."
Budget alternative: Lowepro Flipside ($100)
Check Price on Amazon →Safety & Emergency
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Counter Assault Bear Spray
Required in grizzly country (Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton). 32-foot range, 7-second spray time. Practice drawing it before your trip.
Budget alternative: UDAP Bear Spray ($35)
Check Price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .7
Comprehensive kit for 1-4 people. Includes blister care, wound treatment, medications. Add personal prescriptions and extra moleskin.
Budget alternative: Build your own with Leukotape, ibuprofen, and bandages
Check Price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
Filters to 0.1 microns - removes bacteria and protozoa. Lightweight, no pumping needed. Backflush to maintain flow rate.
Budget alternative: Aquamira drops ($15) as backup or for viruses
Check Price on Amazon →SOL Emergency Bivvy
Reflects 90% of body heat. Weighs 3.8 oz. Could save your life if you're stuck overnight. Every pack should have one.
Budget alternative: Space blanket ($5) is better than nothing
Check Price on Amazon →Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Blade, scissors, tweezers for splinters, can opener. Endless uses on the trail. The Classic SD fits on a keychain.
Budget alternative: Leatherman Squirt ($40) for pliers
Check Price on Amazon →ACR ResQLink 400
Personal locator beacon sends distress signal to rescue services worldwide. No subscription required. For serious backcountry only.
Budget alternative: Garmin inReach if you want two-way messaging
Check Price on Amazon →Wildlife Viewing
Safely observe park wildlife.
Vortex Viper HD 10x42
10x magnification is ideal for wildlife at safe distances. HD glass for sharp, bright images. Lifetime warranty. The sweet spot of quality and value.
Budget alternative: Nikon Monarch 5 ($300) or Celestron Nature DX ($130) for budget
Check Price on Amazon →Vortex Razor HD 27-60x85
For serious wildlife watching in Yellowstone, Denali, or Lamar Valley. Window-mount adapter available. See wolves and bears from miles away.
Budget alternative: Vortex Diamondback ($400) for casual use
Check Price on Amazon →Sibley Birds West / East
The definitive bird identification guide. Illustrations show key features better than photos. Regional editions are easier to carry.
Budget alternative: Merlin Bird ID app (free) for quick IDs
Check Price on Amazon →National Audubon Society Field Guide
Identify everything from pikas to mountain lions. Color photos and range maps. Small enough for day packs.
Budget alternative: iNaturalist app (free) for all species
Check Price on Amazon →Joby GorillaPod 3K
Wraps around branches and railings for stable binocular or camera use. Light and packable. Great for digiscoping through spotting scopes.
Budget alternative: Phone mount adapter ($15) for binocular photography
Check Price on Amazon →Thermacell E55 Rechargeable
Creates 20-foot mosquito-free zone. Essential for Alaska parks and anywhere during bug season. Rechargeable, no open flame.
Budget alternative: Picaridin spray ($10) as backup
Check Price on Amazon →Gear Pro Tips
Test Before You Go
Break in new boots with local hikes. Set up your tent in the backyard. Discovering gear problems on the trail ruins trips.
Buy Quality Once
A quality tent or sleeping bag lasts 10-20 years. Cheap gear fails when you need it most. Invest in the big items.
REI Used Gear
REI Garage sales and re/supply program offer quality used gear at 30-50% off. Patagonia Worn Wear is another great source.
Rent First
REI, local gear shops, and online services rent backpacking gear. Try before you buy for expensive items like tents and packs.
Weight Matters
For backpacking, every ounce counts. Weigh your gear and ruthlessly cut what you don't need. Base weight under 15 lbs is the goal.
Make Checklists
Keep packing lists for different trip types. Update after each trip with lessons learned. Never forget essentials again.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are based purely on quality and value — we only recommend gear we'd personally use. Learn more.
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