What to Pack for Glacier National Park. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Layering for Glacier's Climate

Build your clothing system with three layers to adapt to rapid temperature and weather shifts:

Layer Components

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabrics like synthetics or merino wool. Avoid cotton for Base layers.
Mid-Layer: Insulating layer for warmth (fleece, lightweight down, or wool sweaters).
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants (e.g., Gore-Tex) for protection.

Season-Specific Attire

Tailor your clothing to the time of your visit for optimal comfort:

Seasonal Guidance

Summer (July-August): Lightweight Quick-dry pants, Moisture-wicking shirts. Fleece or light puffy, plus Rain jacket and Pants.
Shoulder Seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct): Warmer base/mid-layers, insulated hat, waterproof Gloves, and a Durable rain set.
Winter (Nov-April): Heavy insulated jacket, Insulated snow pants, multiple warm layers, warm hat, and insulated Mittens.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and sturdy traction. Examples include Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. Essential for rocky, root-filled, and wet terrain.

Important for most trails.

Trail Shoes/Sneakers

Comfortable Trail shoes or Supportive sneakers for lighter walks around developed areas or easy paved trails.

Suitable for casual wear.

Camp Shoes/Socks

A pair of comfortable Sandals or shoes for relaxing. Pack multiple pairs of moisture-wicking Wool or synthetic socks for hiking.

Prevents blisters.

Essential Documents

Travel & Park Documentation

Careful organization of your documents streamlines travel and offers peace of mind.

Passport & Visa Documentation: Valid passport (6+ months validity), physical & digital copies of visa/ESTA.
Travel Insurance: Policy number, emergency contacts, and summary of coverage.
International Driving Permit: Required if your domestic license is not in English.
Vaccination Records: Proof of routine vaccinations and any significant medical conditions.

Reservations: Printed/digital copies of lodge, campground, rental car, tour, and crucially, Park entry reservations.
Emergency Contacts: Printed list of family, doctor, and relevant medical info.
IDs for Discounts: Student/senior/press IDs for applicable National Park Service passes.
Helpful Tip: Keep copies of all important documents in separate locations.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

While Glacier National Park has a chance to disconnect, certain technology items enhance safety, navigation, and the ability to capture memories.

Connectivity Essentials

Power Adapter: U.S. uses Type A/B plugs, 120V at 60Hz. International travelers need a Universal travel adapter. A EPICKA adapter is a good option.
Mobile Phone/SIM: Check international roaming or consider local SIMs (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon). Cell coverage is spotty to non-existent within Glacier.
ESIM: Newer phones support eSIM (e.g., Airalo or Holafly) for immediate data plans without physical SIMs.

Photography & Apps

Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Glacier National Park with appropriate gear and navigation tools.

Camera & Apps

Camera Gear: Wide-angle and Telephoto lenses. Extra batteries and memory cards. A Lightweight tripod for low light. Weather-resistant Camera bag.
Portable Chargers: Essential for charging devices. A High-capacity power bank (e.g., Anker PowerCore) for multiple recharges.
Recommended Apps: AllTrails for hiking maps, Google/Apple Maps (offline), NPS App (Glacier content offline), Recreation.gov for bookings, weather apps, Google Translate (offline).

Data Backup & Security

Photo Backup

Regularly back up photos to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or bring a Portable external hard drive for on-the-go backups.

VPN Usage

Consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Device Security

Keep devices password-protected. Exercise caution when connecting to unknown networks. Be wary of public charging stations.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and emergencies in the backcountry.

Essential Kit Contents

First Aid Kit: A Compact kit with Blister treatment, Pain relievers, antiseptics, bandages, gauze, medical tape. Consider items from Adventure Medical Kits.
Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with pharmacy labels. Bring a copy of the prescription or doctor's note.
Over-the-Counter: Cold/flu remedies, antacids, Anti-diarrhea medication, allergy medication, Hydrocortisone cream.

Protection & Hygiene

Stay protected from environmental elements and maintain personal hygiene on your journey.

Environmental & Personal Care

Insect Repellent: Use DEET (30%+) or picaridin-based repellent for mosquitoes and ticks.
Sun Protection: High-SPF Sunscreen, Lip balm with SPF, and UV-protective sunglasses.
Water Purification: A Portable water filter (e.g., Katadyn BeFree) or chemical Tablets for backcountry water.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

Logan Pass (6,646 ft) is not extremely high, but mild symptoms (headache, nausea) are possible for sea-level visitors.
Hydrate well by drinking plenty of water.
Ascend gradually and rest if symptoms appear. Consult a doctor for specific remedies if sensitive.

Motion Sickness Solutions

Winding mountain roads, especially Going-to-the-Sun Road, can cause motion sickness.
Carry Dramamine or similar anti-motion sickness tablets.
Focus on the horizon or a fixed point, and consider fresh air.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Ensure you have the right gear for comfortable and safe hiking.

Day Pack: A 20-30 liter Day pack (e.g., Osprey Talon 22).
Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability (Black Diamond).
Headlamp/Flashlight: For unexpected delays or early starts.
Navigation: Physical map and compass, plus GPS device or offline maps.

Camping Gear

If you plan to camp, bring appropriate shelter and supplies.

Tent: Suitable for the climate.
Sleeping Bag: Rated for cooler temperatures (20-30°F bag often suitable).
Sleeping Pad: For insulation and comfort.
Camp Stove & Utensils: For self-prepared meals.

Bear Safety Gear

Bear safety is a serious concern in Glacier. Equip yourself appropriately.

Bear Spray: Carry a canister (Counter Assault), readily accessible. Rentable locally.
Bear-Resistant Canister: Required for overnight backpacking. Sometimes rentable from outdoor shops.
Knowledge: Know how to use bear spray and proper food storage.
Group Travel: Hike in groups.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent Typically

Bear Spray: Cannot be flown on commercial airlines, common to rent locally.
Kayaks/Canoes/Paddleboards: Rentable at park lakes (Lake McDonald, Swiftcurrent, Two Medicine).
Bicycles: Available for rent in West Glacier.
Bear-Resistant Food Canisters: Sometimes rentable from outdoor gear shops.

Items to Bring Recommended

Broken-in Hiking Boots: Crucial for fit and blister prevention.
Personal Clothing Layers: Best for fit, comfort, and performance.
Comfortable Day Pack: Important for a good fit on long hikes.
Prescription Medications: Bring more than enough for your trip.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few miscellaneous items contribute to comfort and security.

Enhance Your Travel

Comfort Items: Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys or shared lodging.
Security Items: A Small padlock, Money belt (worn under clothing), and an RFID-blocking wallet for valuables.
Reusable Water Bottle: Essential for hydration and waste reduction. Glacier has water refill stations. A Hydro Flask works well.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Handy for groceries or souvenirs, reducing single-use plastic.

Smart Packing Tips

Maximize your packing efficiency with these useful considerations for Glacier National Park.

Packing Enhancements

Reusable Utensil Set: A Reusable travel utensil set for picnics or self-prepared meals.
Offline Maps: Given limited cell service, always have physical maps or downloaded offline maps on devices.
Cooler: A large Cooler (e.g., Coleman Portable Cooler with Wheels) for food and drinks, especially for self-catering or long drives.
Difficult-to-Find Items: Specialized hiking gear, high-quality rain gear, or specific prescription medications are hard to find in small park stores. Purchase these in advance or in larger cities.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; refill stations available.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Handy for groceries and souvenirs.

Travel Utensil Set

For picnics, reduces single-use plastic.

Rechargeable Batteries

For electronics, reduces disposable battery waste.

Glacier-Specific Items

Wildlife & Scenery

Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing from a safe distance. Nikon Monarch M5 10x42 are popular.
Camera: To capture the park's stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Offline Maps: Given limited cell service, always have physical maps or downloaded offline maps on your devices.

Safety & Comfort

Bear Spray: Mandatory for hikers and campers in bear country. Rent or purchase locally.
Cooler: Valuable for keeping food and drinks cold, especially for picnics or long scenic drives.
General Supplies: Purchase specialized items (technical gear, specific meds) in advance or in larger cities.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack for variable weather: layers are your best friend. A sudden change from sun to rain or even snow is possible, especially at higher elevations. Prioritize moisture-wicking and waterproof outerwear.

Consider packing cubes to organize your luggage and compress clothing, maximizing space in your backpack or suitcase.

What to Pack for Glacier National Park