things I packed for every national park trip last year

Gear Guides

National Park Packing List

February 23, 2026 by Andie

I’ve always loved national parks – I mean, who doesn’t?

So last year, I set this wild goal to visit 30 national parks before I turned 30. I had 9 months to check off my last 12 national parks before my 30th birthday in August. It felt outlandish and unrealistic, but what if it all went right?

Spoiler alert: it did! I woke up in my 30th national park on my 30th birthday surrounded by some of my bestest friends. I could spend this entire blog talking and reminiscing about that weekend, but you came here for a packing list.

And that’s what you’re gonna get. Over the last year, packing for a national park became a routine – and I found myself packing the same pieces over and over and over again.

It’s proof that you don’t need a million things to go outside. A few quality pieces of gear can keep you comfy and take you so so so far, friend.

So here’s the gear that made my packing list for all 12 national parks I visited last year (and most pieces have been in my gear closet for years, so you know it lasts!).

*This post may include affiliate links, which means I make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase something from them. These are my honest opinions, and I only recommend products and gear I personally love! Please never feel any pressure to purchase, but if you’re in the market for new gear, I appreciate your support!

**I’ll also include sizing so for reference I’m 5’7” and ~135 lbs

Quick Links:

1. Convertible Hiking Pants

These are the hiking pants I absolutely swear by. If you’re going to invest in one pair of hiking pants – I 10000% recommend these.

What I love about them:

They’re SUPER versatile: They zip off in two places into shorts or capris. And they actually look cute when they’re zipped off into shorts. There’s also elastic at the bottom, so you can cinch them into joggers if you’re feeling froggy.

They’re also water resistant and have kept me warm and dry even in a snowstorm. I love being able to pack one pair of pants and know that I’m covered no matter the conditions.

Hike starts chilly? Start in the full pants.

Hot by mid-day? Zip them off into shorts.

Want to dip your dawgs in a creek? Cinch them into joggers and hike them up or zip them off into capris.

Worried about winter weather? Put a pair of base layer leggings underneath if it’s super cold and hit the trail.

The belt: The adjustable belt makes sure you’re comfy every single time you wear them.

Fun colorways: I have solid navy and black pairs that go with everything, but I LOVE my blue & cream pair. Each section that zips off is a different color and they’re so FUN. I get compliments every time I wear them on trail, and comments on every social post they’re featured in.

Sizing: I prefer size S if I’m wearing them as pants, but M if I’m zipping them off into shorts for some extra room in the thighs.

2. Fleece Midlayer

Melanzana makes fleece hoodies that are perfect as a midlayer for hiking (or whatever outdoor activity you’re doing!) or a cozy sweater to hang around camp.

Now, here’s the thing: they’re a little hard to get. But you’ll get lots of outdoorsy cred when you’re wearing it, if that’s your kinda thing.

They’re sold in a little shop in Leadville, CO by appointment. You can make one appointment every six months, and you can purchase two items per appointment. Appointments book out months in advance, but sometimes they have last-minute availability.

Sometimes they also drop a limited stock for online purchase, so you can check that too.

And, lots of other brands make a similar fleece layer, too! Melanzana isn’t the only option (but I do love them!).

Sizing: I wear a M!

3. Daypack

I have two daypacks I keep in rotation:

Lightweight Daypack: This one is super lightweight, has hip/chest belts and an internal hydration bladder sleeve, and enough capacity to hold a couple extra layers and snacks for your hike. But, the straps are thin and can get uncomfortable if you pack it with too much weight. It’s better for shorter day hikes where you don’t need to pack a bunch of gear.

Running Vest-Style Daypack (my most asked about pack!): This pack had been on my wishlist for a couple years, and I finally got it last summer before our bucket-list hut-to-hut hike in Austria. It’s been my go-to ever since.

It’s a little bigger than the REI Flash 22, but what really sets it apart are the straps. It’s kind of like a mix between a running vest and a day pack. The straps are running vest-style, so it keeps the pack tight to your body and has extra pockets to store things you need quick access to: phone, sunglasses, small snacks, etc. I also love the external hydration sleeve, so you don’t have to go inside the pack to refill your water bladder, and it has pockets on the hip belt to store a few more things you’d like to access easily. AND it has a “stow-and-go” feature for hiking poles that’s so helpful if you like to use your hiking poles off and on throughout a hike. Big fan.

Sizing: The REI Flash 22 comes in one size. I wear a size M/L for the Osprey Tempest Velocity 30 (it’s based on torso length).

4. Puffy Jacket

Another great insulating layer. I love this for early-morning hikes and late evenings around the campfire. It packs down super small (into its own internal pocket!), so it’s really easy to fit in your daypack.

Sizing: I like size S if I’m not layering a lot underneath, and a size M if I want more room for layering.

5. Moisture-Wicking Merino Wool Hiking Socks

It took me a long time to finally invest in nice socks. And…they’re 10000% worth it. Darn Tough socks are made of merino wool, so they’re naturally odor-resistant, keep your feet dry and comfortable, and help regulate your temperature.

You might find this gross, but I wear the same pair of hiking socks multiple days in a row on national park trips. But they don’t stink or feel disgusting like you think they would! The magic of merino wool!

There are a lot of good hiking socks you could get, but Darn Tough has a lifetime warranty program that will replace your socks if they become damaged (like wearing holes through them!). Mine are still going strong, but I love that they stand behind their products so unwaveringly.

Sizing: I’m a 7.5-8 in most shoes, and wear a size M.

6. Hiking Sandals (& camp shoes!)

My favorite outdoorsy sandals for short hikes, playing in creeks and waterfalls, and to wear with socks around camp.

If I’m hiking, I like the Z/2 with the toe loop for more stability. But, if I’m hanging around camp, I like the Z/1 (without the toe loop) because it’s easier to slip them on with socks. I actually thrifted a pair of Z/1s on FB Marketplace last year for $10. Find of the year!

Sizing: I wear a size 7.

7. Hiking Boots

I’ve worn the same pair of Oboz Sawtooth X Mid hiking boots for the last five years (to every national park!), and I finally replaced them (with the same model, just newer!).

Everyone has different preferences for hiking boots/shoes, so I definitely recommend going in-store to try on some different options.

I like that these are waterproof, come with Oboz O Fit insoles for extra comfort, and they last A LONG TIME. Hiking boots are an investment, and I want to turn my $$$ into lots of miles.

Sizing: I’m normally a size 7.5-8, but I wear an 8.5 in these hiking boots. It’s pretty common to need to size up in boots! It’s important to make sure your toes won’t hit the front when you’re hiking downhill, and to leave some extra room to account for thicker socks or foot swelling on long/hot hikes.

8. Bandana

The humble bandana. It’s sun protection when you don’t want to wear a hat. It’s a camera lens wipe. It’s a headband. It’s first aid in a pinch.

And it’s a fun accessory for your hiking outfit.

I have one moth/butterfly bandana that I’ve used for a couple years, and my parents got me a new grizzly bear bandana for Christmas that I can’t wait to wear this summer!

9. Cotopaxi Allpa 42

This is the only travel pack I’ve used for the last three years. And it’s still going strong. It fits SO MUCH, but still works as a carry-on for most airlines.

I love that it carries like a backpack (with hip and chest straps to help distribute the load), but opens like a suitcase. It also has a laptop sleeve and a couple other pockets for easy access and organization.

Between this pack and my daypack (as my personal item), I’ve had plenty of space for all my gear for all my national park trips.

I’ve learned that no matter how much I pack, I always find myself wearing and using the same gear every single time. I’m a creature of habit, I guess. And if you love your gear, you’ll want to use it over and over and over again! Investing in quality gear is sustainable. And sustainability is hot.

Okay, love you. Bye!