Once you have picked your
Yosemite Backpacking Trip, it's time to start thinking about what to bring to Yosemite and what clothing and gear you'll need. Your trip with Four Season Guides is sure to be one you never forget, but a big part of having lots of fun is being well prepared!
Even though we provide the camping equipment essentials, there are a few things we want to be sure you don’t forget. This Yosemite packing list is for the summer months (June through early September). Trips outside of this timeframe might require more warm layers—especially if you're planning to trek through high-elevation routes like
Red Peak Pass Loop
or
Clouds Rest/Half Dome.
Backpacking Trip Essentials
Personal clothing:
Footwear
- Hiking boots or shoes – Well broken-in and appropriate for backpacking
- Sandals or flip-flops – For camp comfort after a long day of hiking
- Hiking socks (2 or 3 pairs) – Synthetic or wool; no cotton
Base Layers
- Midweight long-sleeve baselayer – Wool or synthetic
- Long underwear bottoms – 1 pair, midweight synthetic or wool
Insulation
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket – For early morning and evening warmth
- Fleece pants – Optional for colder trips (e.g., September or high elevations)
Outerwear
- Rain shell – Waterproof, lightweight, breathable
- Waterproof pants/trousers – For significant rain
Shirts & Tops
- Tee shirts (2) – Cotton for warm weather; synthetic for shoulder seasons
- Hooded long-sleeve sun shirt – Can substitute for one tee
- Warm hat – For cold weather and evenings
Pants & Shorts
- Lightweight long pants/trousers – For sun protection and warmth
- Shorts (1 or 2 pairs) – Synthetic and quick-drying preferred
Accessories
- Hat – For sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Gloves/mittens – Wool or fleece (1 pair)
The daytime temperatures can be warm, reaching into the 70s or even the 80’s, with the night temperatures dropping near freezing. If you're hiking routes like
Tuolumne Meadows & Waterfalls, it’s best to be prepared for both warm days and cool nights. Dressing in layers is the key to warmth and comfort.
Keep in mind that the time of year and specific weather forecast will ultimately determine
what to wear in Yosemite. Don’t assume that you will not need some of the items and risk not having them when necessary. If you are concerned that you will never use certain clothing/gear again, consider leaving the tags on your newly purchased items and you can always return them unused if not needed. The key to being comfortable and happy in the backcountry is to have everything you need.
Personal Gear & Toiletries:
Hydration
- Water bottles / Hydration bladder (3 liters total capacity) – A combination of a 3L bladder and a water bottle is ideal
Lighting
- Headlamp – Bring one with fresh batteries
Sleep & Comfort
- Camp pillow (optional) – Lightweight or inflatable, or use clothes in a stuff sack
- Pack towel – Small, lightweight face cloth
Sun & Skin Protection
- Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher
- Lip balm – Preferably with SPF
Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste – Travel size
- Small packet of tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
Health & First Aid
- Personal medication – Includes ibuprofen, antihistamine, antacid, etc.
- EpiPen – If you have severe allergies
- Insect repellent & mosquito head net
Gear We Provide:
- Backpack : a minimum 60-liter capacity backpack, fully adjustable to fit all heights
- Tent: a 1- or 2-person top-of-the-line backpacking tent
- Sleeping bag: appropriately rated for the forecast low temperatures
- Sleeping pad: Thermarest-brand inflatable pad plus a closed-cell foam pad
- Trekking poles
- All necessary cooking/eating gear: bowl, cup, utensil (your guide will prepare all meals)
- Bear canister
- Group first-aid: your guide is a trained and certified Wilderness First Responder
- Water purification
You are welcome to bring any of your own gear, as long as we are notified in advance and approve the gear. Backpacks must be a minimum of 60-liter capacity. Sleeping bags must be appropriately rated for the forecast low temperatures. Tents should ideally be free-standing, unless you have considerable experience pitching your non-free-standing tent or tarp.
