YOU’VE booked the flight, reserved the hotel, and bought your park pass, now its time to pack for your adventure in Yosemite National Park! The weather varies drastically from morning to afternoon and then again from afternoon to evening, which can make packing a bit tricky. BUT here are some great tips and tricks for all your packing needs .
This post is specifically for those who are staying in a hotel or lodge. I am sure if you are camping, your list would include so many more items that are not included here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Getting Organized
STAYING organized is key to practical packing and having a successful trip. Here are steps I find helpful in this process:
- Write out your itinerary
- Includes all the activities and events you will be doing (i.e., hikes, dinners, swimming etc.)
- Check the weather, especially as the trip approaches
- This will help to determine what type of clothing you will need and if rain gear is necessary.
- Make a list of items organized over several categories
- Categories of wardrobe essentials, toiletries, specialty items, and the carry-on.
- Make a separate list for the kids.
- Choose which luggage will meet your needs based on your lists for that trip.
- So many people prefer to pack in a carry-on to avoid baggage claim, but I am NOT that person. I prefer to check my luggage so I can be worry-free when navigating the airport. Also, for those with kids, checked luggage can be much easier.
- However, for this particular trip, you could possibly get away with a carry-on as many of your clothing items can be worn multiple times. For my luggage needs, I LOVE Travelpro luggage. Their suitcases have lots of storage pockets for unique items and even a port to charge your phone! There carry-on cases are lightweight and roll easily with their spinner wheels.
- Use packing cubes! These are a MUST-HAVE
- I discovered packing cubes a couple of years ago and can not travel without them now! I use the Veken Packing Cubes from Amazon and have several sets for each family member. I especially like their shoe and laundry bag for this trip to put our muddy shoes and wet clothes in to take home. These are a game-changer!
- I also love to use mini to mid-size pouches, like these from Aloha Collection to store toiletries, first aid kit, feminine products, etc.
WardRobe Essentials
GOING through each day of the trip and considering the activities and weather for that day is super helpful in determining what are must-haves. My number one recommendation for Yosemite is LAYERS! The mornings in the park can be quite chilly with the lows in the 30’s, but as the sun comes up over the mountains, the valley will warm up quickly and can be in the 70’s and 80’s by afternoon. Things I consider packing to meet my needs in Yosemite include:
- Hiking/exploring outfits 1-2 per day-
- A jacket or sweatshirt
- you will most likely need this for in the morning and evening
- Hiking boots
- Love these boots from Colombia with the red laces. Comfortable and look pretty cool in pictures!
- you will be doing a lot of hiking and walking so be sure your boots fit well and are comfortable and have them broken in before your trip
- At least one lounge outfit for down time at the hotel
- Dinner outfit
- Nothing too fancy
- Dining accommodations in Yosemite are fairly low key, unless you are making your way to Ahwahanee Resort
- Most visitors are in hiking gear for most of the trip
- An extra pair of shoes to give your feet a break from your hiking boots
- Intimates- bras, underwear, socks
- Pajamas- 2-3 pairs
- SNACKS! Bring LOTS of snacks! One thing we learned about Yosemite is that there aren’t as many food options as we had thought. Be sure to pack snacks for your trail hikes or while hanging at the hotel.
Specialty Items
SPECIALTY items are those items that would be required for specific activities or events:
- Snow boots
- if you are going in the winter, these may be needed
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- we used hats and gloves in the mornings at the beginning of our hikes
- Bags (backpack, waterpack)
- We love this CamelBak
- Waterpacks are great to ensure you have enough water for your day
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- First aid kit (bandaids, Tylenol, Dramamine, etc.)
- bandaids are essential for any blisters you get from your long hikes
Toiletries
I keep my toiletry bag out while I am getting ready the day of travel to be sure not to miss any of my essential skincare. I save my samples from Sephora and/or Ulta for when I travel. I will also keep the sample size container and refill it. They are the perfect size to pack! Here is a list of skincare I bring along:
- Fashwash- Inkey has a travel size of their face washes, love their oat cleansing balm
- Eyecreams
- Serums and toners
- Moisturizer
- Tweezers, fingernail clippers/file
- Make-up
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
THESE items are what I am able to pack ahead of time:
- Shampoo and conditioner- I love to travel with bar shampoo and conditioner, it is so travel-friendly. I currently use The Earthling Co and love their Simple Fresh scent. I also use their soap saver to store my bars in, which makes for easy packing.
- Razors- I pack a brand new disposable that does not require shaving cream and then throw it out at the end of the trip
- Toothbrush charger- if you use an electric toothbrush
Carry-On
THE carry-on is always hard for me because I try to keep it light and prefer my carry-on to fit under the seat in front of me, but I have lots of items I want to have with me for the plane. I recently purchased The Day Tripper Tote from the Aloha Collection. It has plenty of space, is flexible to fit under the seat, and is splash-proof so it can double as a pool or beach bag once we arrive. For easy access to my phone and wallet, I typically wear a belt-bag rather than take a purse. Here are the MUST-HAVES you will always find in my carry-on:
- Passports- I carry all of my family’s passports in a separate pouch to find them easily inside my bigger carry-on bag
- A good book
- Headphones
- Chargers- both portable and wall chargers- I like to carry my chargers in this case from Rothy, they have a mini version too!
- Snacks! Gum or mints are good too!
- Refillable water bottle to fill at a filling station in the airport- my family uses these bottles from Amazon. We also like these collapsible water bottles to save space.
- Travel planner- I am currently using this one from Amazon
THIS is not an exhaustive list of all the things you may need to take on a trip with you, especially when doing very unique or specific adventures, but I do hope you gained some good tips to get you organized and packing with confidence for your national park adventure!
WHAT did I miss? Comment below with any tips or tricks you have learned along the way!
Check out my Yosemite blog for a trip guide and our 4-day itinerary for the ultimate Yosemite adventure!
with love and dreams,
Jessica
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