Yosemite Packing List: Gear, Tips + More For 2024

Yosemite National Park is a stunning destination, but some important things can make or break your trip. In this comprehensive Yosemite packing list, we’ll go through the essentials for hiking, safety and seasonal activities.

I confess – I’m a Yosemite junkie who has visited the park 4 times in a year, once for every season. There’s so much to see in the valley and beyond, such as sunset hikes along Glacier Point Road and backpacking from Tioga Pass. In addition, off-peak seasons are the perfect time to discover hidden gems in Yosemite, such as by snowshoe hikes.

However you plan to spend your time in Yosemite, I hope this packing list along with some additional tips serve as a helpful reference. It’s by no means exhaustive, but definitely includes the important things I wish I knew about during my earlier trips.

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The Ultimate Yosemite Packing List

Love traveling but find packing a chore? Same here.

That’s why I created this Yosemite packing list that will help you go through each category of things. Hopefully it helps you to reduce the feeling of overwhelm knowing that you can always check back against this list.

Let’s start from the essentials, move on to safety and camping gear, and then adjust them depending on the season.


Essentials

Here are some essentials that can be used on any day hike or outdoorsy trip. If you don’t have some of these items yet, it could be a worthwhile investment to purchase them so that you can enjoy your future trips too.

Some of the best things to do in Yosemite include some form of hiking, which is where these essentials will come in handy. You can also refer to my beginner hiking gear guide for more ideas.

1. Hiking backpack

It might be tempting to just walk about with just your phone in hand, but trust me, you’ll want to get a comfortable day pack for your Yosemite trip. I recommend getting a hiking backpack that’s big enough for various essentials and safety items.

If you’re on a tight budget, here are some budget friendly hiking backpacks to consider. For backpacking, I love my Osprey Aura Anti-Gravity 65L packs.

2. Water bottle

Hydration is super important when you’re exploring Yosemite and hiking around. As a rough guide, you’ll want to have at least 0.5 liters of water for every hour of hiking. If you’re not going to be near any water source for most of your day, try to bring a few water bottles or use a water bladder like this one.

3. Hiking shoes or boots

Most of the terrain you’re hiking on in Yosemite is a mix of forest floor, granite, and paved roads. You can bring either hiking boots or shoes depending on your preference.

I personally like wearing my Columbia Newton Ridge boots in Yosemite because I tend to kick my toes against the hard rocks and softer shoes don’t protect me from myself that well.

Admittedly, hiking boots can be heavier but they sure do look good in photos. Here are more suggestions on hiking boots for women if you’re looking for a pair.

However, if you anticipate that you’ll be going through a lot of water crossings or if it’ll be rainy, I recommend wearing breathable hiking shoes instead because they tend to dry more quickly.

Hiking boots - Columbia Newton Ridge

4. Portable phone charger

You will probably be relying on your phone for navigation, information, and taking photos throughout your trip. Hence, you need a portable phone charger to ensure you have enough battery life to last the day.

If you use an iPhone, I recommend a combination of Apple’s MagSafe phone case and Anker’s magnetic portable charger that sticks on it. We have the 5,000 mAh charger which weighs just 5 oz (140 g) and has about 1 full iPhone charge.

Alternatively, Anker also has a compact wire-charging version of its portable charger that costs less, suitable for android and other devices.

5. Insect repellent

There’s nothing more annoying than having mosquitoes spoil your experience in Yosemite, especially in the high Sierra off Tioga Pass.

This is usually a problem in early summer when snowmelt creates pools of stagnant water which is ideal for mosquito breeding. It might also happen near Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley.

After being terrorised by mosquitoes during our backpacking trip, we decided that the best solution would be to apply permethrin to our clothes which kills mosquitoes and ticks. We also found head nets to be useful whenever we wanted to stay in one spot and not worry about swarming mosquitoes.

6. Sun protection

To avoid getting sun burnt I recommend bringing a cap, wearing a sun hoodie, using sunscreen and having shades on stand by.

One of the most underrated pieces of clothing is probably a sun hoodie because not only is it a lightweight layer, it also doubles up as a barrier against mosquitoes.

I’m recently loving my Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie which comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and a drawstring hem that makes it really versatile.

7. What to wear to Yosemite

As a general guideline, you want to wear layers so that they are easy to take on and off depending on your activity level.

Tops: Choose a sweat-wicking base layer (like a sun hoodie) and an inslulating mid layer. If it gets windy or cold, you can add on another outer shell such as a down puffy or even a rain jacket.

Bottoms: You can also wear regular workout tights, or any pants you’re comfortable hiking in. Similarly, try to avoid cotton as it tends to retain water and could keep you feeling cold for a while.

Material: Synthetic or wool material works best, and that’s the same for socks. I love wearing wool socks because they are naturally odor-resistant and offer great warmth and comfort while hiking. They also dry easily after getting wet, which is perfect for dealing with water crossings.

Photo at sunset in Yosemite against Half Dome, wearing fleece layer

8. Snacks

Snacks might be one of the most often forgotten essentials to bring on any trip. Whether you’re packing a sandwich or a granola bar, snacks go a long way in giving you energy to explore every nook and cranny of Yosemite.

I try to bring about 200 calories worth of snacks for every hour of hiking I do. On days where I forget to eat enough food while being active, a headache descends on me and punishes me for it.

9. Hiking poles

Sometimes you want extra support when hiking from the valley to the top of Yosemite Upper Falls, and hiking poles are perfect for that. If you know you have some knee problems, hiking poles can help to cushion your impact while you’re still working on building strength.

If you’re hiking in the backcountry, they are also especially helpful for water crossings when the water level is relatively high. These ones are made of carbon fiber and are inexpensive.

10. Camera

Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscape in Yosemite! Although cameras can be a bit bulky, Peak Design’s Capture Clip is a game changer for carrying it out on the trail.

You might feel some weight on one side, but it beats hanging your camera on your neck. If you have the funds, consider a lightweight and strong tripod too.

Selfie in the snowy landscape in Yosemite, showing my camera clipped on my backpack

11. Gloves

If you are planning to climb Half Dome, you’ll thank yourself for having gloves when you get to the cable section of the trail. It’s not an essential item for everyone, though it can be good for preventing mosquito bites too.


Safety

These safety items are especially important during emergencies or if things take a turn for the worse during your hike.

You won’t realize how useful these things are until you need them, but it’s best to come prepared. It also gives your loved ones peace of mind/

Admittedly, I didn’t have everything on hand at once. Instead, I slowly acquired them after understanding their importance.

12. Offline or physical map

We love a good, detailed map with topological and trail information. The easiest way to get this is by signing up for an AllTrails membership to access downloaded offline maps. You’ll also be able to see 3D trail previews so you know what to expect.

Just remember to download the trails before you get into Yosemite National Park.

In addition, if you’re planning to go backpacking, having a topological map is ideal. You can get this physical National Geographic map that’s waterproof and tear-resistant at Yosemite’s bookstores and on Amazon. This way, you’re not reliant on your phone even if it runs out of battery.

13. First aid kit

The simplest way to get a first aid kit is to buy one that’s pre-packaged like this one. It’s compact, waterproof and inexpensive for a safety item. Some use cases would be like if you get blisters, have a tick clinging to your skin, or need some pain medication.

14. Satellite messenger

This one is a bit of an upgrade to your kit, but a worthwhile investment for being able to send messages even when you don’t have cell service.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a popular device in the outdoor space and you can also send an SOS call if necessary. It also has a few other functionalities such as a digital compass, route tracking, and navigation.

Showing the Garmin inReach mini 2 on a backpacking trail in Yosemite

15. Emergency bivy

An emergency bivy is a form of shelter that’s meant to keep you warm in case you need to huddle down for the night. It is typically inexpensive and lightweight to have as a backup.

16. Headlamp with extra batteries

When it gets dark, it’s especially reassuring to have some light with you, even better if it’s hands-free. You could also use your phone’s light, but it’s better to save that battery in case you’re out longer than expected. It will also be useful for sunset hikes.

17. Water filtration

If you get lost, you might take a much longer time and your water could run out. It’s always a good idea to bring a water filtration device so that you can drink from water sources you see along the way.

We’ve been using the Sawyer Squeeze, and have also heard of other popular options including LifeStraw and Katadyn BeFree.

18. Multi-tool

Having a multipurpose tool can be very handy when you’re outdoors. For example, you can cut through small pieces of wood to create flint with the blades and make some quick gear fixes.

There are so many tools in the Leatherman Signal that could come in handy even in our daily lives, though so far we have only used it to hammer in tent poles.


During Summer and Fall (May to November)

This is probably the most popular time to visit Yosemite. Here are a few more things you can consider taking with you for a more interesting experience. While water activities are best in summer, you can look forward to fall colors in Yosemite from October to November.

19. Rafts, floats, or kayaks

It gets hot in Yosemite during the summer, which makes it the perfect time to splash around in the Merced. Consider renting a raft or bringing your own floats to enjoy a lazy afternoon in the river. Check out the rules here, including lifejacket requirements. You can also kayak in Tenaya Lake if you have one.

Tenaya Lake in Yosemite in summer

20. Swim suit

If you’re up for a cold plunge into the alpine lakes like Tenaya Lake, or a float down the Merced, bring a swimsuit (and a towel) along so you can keep your regular clothes dry.

21. Sandals

Whether you’re going to play in the Merced River or going to take a shower in campsite facilities, you’re going to be glad you have sandals. It’s also good for backpacking if you don’t want to get your shoes wet during water crossings.

22. Bicycles

The free Yosemite shuttle services can get really full in summer, and it might even be difficult to get on. If you don’t care to wait around for the shuttle and don’t want to walk around, consider renting bicycles or bringing your own. Don’t forget to lock it up too!


During Winter and Spring (December to April)

As the first snow arrives in December or January, a whole range of winter activities open up. Tioga Pass and most of Glacier Point Road will be closed due to the snow, but you’ll get to experience Yosemite’s backcountry in its winter wonderland state.

Yosemite Valley is still open as usual with plenty to do in winter. You can also refer to this winter itinerary for ideas on how to maximize your day here.

You’ll also get off-peak discounts on accommodation – a sweet deal if you ask me!

23. Snowshoes and gaiters

One of the most beginner-friendly snowshoeing trails in Yosemite is the Badger Pass to Dewey Point route. We rented MSR Evo Trail snowshoes at the Badger Pass Ski Area, though you can always bring your own. Gaiters would also come in handy for keeping snow out of your shoes and socks.

Snowshoess in Yosemite Dewey Point

24. Microspikes

This is one of the must-haves when it comes to winter hiking gear. There are many trails still open in winter, but some might be safer with microspikes. For example, hiking the Upper Falls trail in winter is amazing, especially from March onwards as the waterfall starts to pick up in volume again as snow melts.

If you’re going up in elevation, you’d feel better having that extra bit of traction on your soles. The leading brand for microspikes is Kahtoola, and I recommend keeping them in your backpack because you won’t know when you need them on the trail.

25. Warm clothing layers

On top of the base and mid layers, consider getting a warmer outer layer like the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody. In addition, bring along a beanie, gloves, and extra socks as a backup.

Selfie during sunrise in Yosemite, wearing puffy down hooded jackets

26. Snow or rain pants

For bigger adventures, it might be worth bringing along snow or rain pants to keep the rest of your clothes dry as well. Check out the Outdoor Research Helium Pants which is an affordable and lightweight rain pants.

27. Backpack rain cover or umbrella

You’ll want to ensure your things stay dry as you spend extended time outdoors. Even if you don’t have a rain jacket or a backpack rain cover, I recommend bringing at least an umbrella to walk around Yosemite Valley.

28. Rain jacket

If you’re determined not to let the rain foil your plans of visiting Yosemite in winter and spring, a rain jacket is a must-have.

This makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying Yosemite in the rain! Don’t rely on water-resistant fabric as rain will seep through eventually.

Something like the Patagonia Torrentshell will come in handy when you’re walking under waterfalls or hiking in light rain or snow.

Photo in Yosemite Cooks Meadow wearing a rain jacket and beanie

Car Camping and Backpacking

Now on to the fun part! If you’re planning to car camp or backpack, there are a couple more specific items you should bring to Yosemite.

I have a more detailed camping packing list below, but here is what you need to start. Do check out our camping starter kit that shows you all the gear we used especially as beginners.

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    29. Cooler

    Car campers are almost never seen without a cooler because it’s essential for packing meal ingredients like eggs, meat, and even cold juices to enjoy during the day. It also helps to prevent your food from getting swiped by ravens at the campsite. You will still need to keep it in a bear box overnight, but it’s nice to have everything in one cooler.

    We use this 30-quart Igloo cooler for an overnight trip with 2-4 people.

    30. Cook set

    A car camping cook set can be similar to what you use at home, with the exception of a portable propane stove like this Coleman one that we use.

    For backpacking, we use the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stove and our lightweight titanium Toaks pot. Of course, we won’t be forgetting our utensils.

    Cooking at camp during a backpacking trip in Yosemite

    30. Lighter and fire starter

    Some stoves require a lighter, and it’s also useful for starting a campfire. If you’re new to wood fires, consider bringing fire starter along to give you that initial boost.

    31. Camp chair

    One way to instantly elevate your Yosemite experience is to have camp chairs so that you can sit by the fire. You can get an inexpensive and compact one from Amazon, like this one we use.

    If you want an extra bit of luxury during your backpacking trip, consider the Helinox Chair Zero that weighs just over 1 lb.

    32. Tent

    Yosemite’s campsites are very popular because you get to be right in the heart of the valley. Imagine waking up to the view of the granite walls.

    If you’re car camping, you can bring any tent you’re comfortable with since you’ll have plenty of space to set up. For backpacking, we use the REI Half Dome SL 2+ tent that is wide enough to fit both 25-inch sleeping pads.

    Tent and backpacks - all part of the Yosemite packing list

    33. Sleeping bag and pad

    Bring sleeping bags and sleeping pads that are suitable for the time of year you’re visiting. We chose our 15 F sleeping bag and quilt so that we can go camping around California during winter too.

    I personally use a combination of the Nemo Switchback (r-value 2.0) and the Nemo Tensor (r-value 4.2) with my quilt.

    34. Portable power stations

    Another way to make your campsite feel more like home is to bring a portable power station so that you can charge your camera, phone, mini-fan, speakers, and more. The Jackery 500 is a popular unit for car campers because it can power even a mini-fridge for several hours.

    Using the Jackery Portable power station

    35. Lights

    Bring along some fairy lights and lamps to help you see around camp. My personal hack is to put my lamp on my camera tripod to make it hang a lantern. If you’re planning to stargaze, try to use red light so you don’t blind yourself each time you use your flashlight.

    36. Bear canister

    Bear canisters are a requirement when you’re backpacking in Yosemite. You can either rent them from the wilderness center for $5/week or bring your own. For a recent 3-day backpacking trip, we made do with the BV450 bear canister for 2 of us.

    37. Poop kit

    Another key part about backpacking in Yosemite is about leaving no trace. That means you will need to dig a hole 6-8 inches into the ground to go #2, and pack out your toilet paper. A trowel should be part of your poop kit, along with hand sanitiser and ziplock bags for trash.


    Road tripping

    Finally, consider adding on these road trip essentials to your Yosemite packing list and you should be good to go. For more fun items to bring along, check out my road trip gift ideas here.

    38. Portable jump starter

    We always keep a portable jump starter in our car just in case. It’s small enough and you can use it to help others especially in winter when battery issues tend to crop up.

    39. America the beautiful pass

    If you’re visiting various National Parks at least 2 other times within the year, it’s worth getting the America the Beautiful Pass for your vehicle as it gives your group free entry to Yosemite.

    40. Snow chains

    When you’re visiting in winter, there’s a possibility of snow chain requirements on the higher elevation roads. In most cases, you will need to have snow chains in your vehicle even if you don’t need to put them on.

    There are some restrictions when it comes to rental cars, which I talk about in greater detail in this article with more tips on car rental in California.

    Lyell Fork during early summer with a snowy mountain in the background

    Yosemite Packing Tips

    Depending on what activities you’re doing, your packing list will be different from mine. What we have so far is a comprehensive guide to make sure you don’t forget some important things. If all that sounds like a lot, don’t worry! Here are some tips to make packing more straightforward.

    Think about layering clothing

    If you’re going hiking, I suggest getting layers that you can put on and take off easily, instead of a thick 2-in-1 jacket that doesn’t give you any middle ground for when you’re sweaty. Choose layers that are more compact and easier to carry around, like the ones I suggested in this article.

    For the times where you know you are going to get wet, whether it’s from the snow, creek crossings, or waterfall sprays, make sure you have some dry clothes to change into too.

    If you’re going to jump into the Merced River or shower at a shared facility, bring a quick-drying towel along.

    Check the weather and trail conditions

    You can update your Yosemite packing list based on the expected weather conditions. Make sure to check for specific locations as higher elevation conditions at Tuolumne Meadows may be different from Yosemite Valley.

    Do also look out for trail reviews on AllTrails and official Yosemite guidelines on things to note for your hiking trails. This is especially relevant during fall and spring when certain trails might still be closed or require microspikes.

    Rent gear if needed

    For some activities, you don’t even need to bring your own gear. These would include skiing, snowshoeing, guided backpacking tours, and rafting down the Merced.

    You can also rent winter gear and camping equipment from shops like Sports Basement which are all over the Bay Area. This is a great option if you’re visiting from abroad or are just starting to try out more outdoor activities in Yosemite.


    Where To Stay

    As you decide on where to stay in Yosemite, you’ll get a clearer idea about what you need to bring depending on what’s provided. Here are some of the best places to stay in and around Yosemite for various budgets.

    📍Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (Budget): One of the best places for a hostel-style atmosphere with communal spaces and a cafe on-site. It’s located in Midpines (along Highway 140), about 1 hour away from Yosemite Valley.

    📍Scenic Wonders (Mid-Range): These vacation rentals in Yosemite West are best for families and bigger groups, and are especially magical in winter when it’s snowing. It’s on a higher elevation compared to the valley, located along Wawona Road inside Yosemite National Park.

    📍Rush Creek Lodge (Luxury): Not only do you get high quality amenities here, you’ll also be close to Yosemite’s Tioga Road when it’s open in summer. It is the most convenient and premium location on Highway 120 for accessing Yosemite.

    Yosemite West's Scenic Wonders interior decor with a wood stove

    FAQs

    You probably still have some questions, so here are some FAQs that are worth knowing about.

    What should I bring to Yosemite National Park?

    To make things simple, here are the top 3 things you need to bring to Yosemite National Park.

    • Hiking day pack with enough water and snacks
    • Comfortable clothes, socks, and shoes (ideally non-cotton)
    • Downloaded offline trail map such as on AllTrails or a physical copy

    Should you wear pants or shorts to Yosemite?

    Although it gets warm in Yosemite in summer, I would still suggest wearing pants to reduce mosquito bites and provide sun protection. However, if you’re planning to swim or do some water sports, it makes sense to wear shorts.

    Do you need water shoes for Yosemite?

    Water shoes could be good for swimming in the Merced River and rafting, but sandals would be more suitable for water crossings while hiking. However, you don’t necessarily need water shoes if you have quick-drying shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

    Do you need to carry bear spray in Yosemite?

    You don’t need to carry bear spray in Yosemite, and in fact, it is illegal to do so. Yosemite only has black bears and with proper food storage in bear bins and canisters, they are easily scared away by acting aggressively even if they enter developed areas.

    Check out my article on why bear spray is banned in Yosemite, and ways you can stay safe.


    Conclusion

    Overall, planning a packing list for Yosemite requires you to consider the season and planned activities for your trip. It usually helps when I make a checklist which can be updated and reused for future trips.

    Hopefully this comprehensive guide has helped you to think through all aspects of what you might need to bring to Yosemite. You’re now well-equipped for a memorable and safe adventure in one of the most iconic national parks in the US.

    Enjoy your trip!


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    Janice, a California-based travel writer from Singapore, discovered her love for hiking and camping during her studies in Los Angeles. Through her blog, she now shares detailed itineraries for adventures in California, Asia, and beyond. She also talks about gear recommendations and tips for beginners, hoping to inspire them to explore the great outdoors with confidence.

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