{"id":21148,"date":"2016-02-04T08:57:12","date_gmt":"2016-02-04T16:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21148"},"modified":"2022-02-03T15:51:06","modified_gmt":"2022-02-03T23:51:06","slug":"glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list","title":{"rendered":"Glacier National Park Backpacking Packing List"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p>With more than a million acres of rugged wilderness and 700 miles of trails weaving through its valleys, mountains and alpine lakes, Glacier National Park is a paradise for backpackers. If you\u2019re ready to explore Glacier\u2019s backcountry, here\u2019s a checklist to help you plan your trip.<\/p>\n<p>The following list is designed for a non-guided backpacking trip in Glacier National Park. (For information about visiting the park, see\u00a0<u>our guide<\/u>.) The list includes some environment-specific options for the park\u2019s backcountry. If you\u2019re going with a commercial group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide.<\/p>\n<p>Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire starter; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter. To learn more, see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\">Ten Essentials article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Equipment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-packs\">Backpacking Pack<\/a>\u00a0(big enough for a bear canister) and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/pack-rain-covers\">raincover<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/day-packs\">Small daypack<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-tents\">Tent<\/a>\u00a0with guylines and repair sleeve<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/tent-footprints\">Tent footprint<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sleeping-bags\">Sleeping bag<\/a>\u00a0(15\u00b0\u201329\u00b0F or suitable for the season you go)<\/li>\n<li>Waterproof\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/stuff-sacks\">stuff sack<\/a>\u00a0for your sleeping bag<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sleeping-pads\">Sleeping pad<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/whistles\">Whistle<\/a>\u00a0(plus\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/signal-mirrors\">signaling mirror<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/altimeter-watches\">Multifunction watch with altimeter<\/a>\u00a0(altimeter feature is optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/knives\">Knife<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/multi-tools\">multi-tool<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/compasses\">Compass<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gps\">GPS<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/s\/glacier-national-park-books-and-maps\">Map(s)<\/a>\u00a0and route description or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/s\/glacier-national-park-books-and-maps\">guidebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/trekking-poles-hiking-staffs\">Trekking poles<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/led-headlamps\">LED headlamp<\/a>\u00a0with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/batteries\">extra batteries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/water-treatment\">Water treatment system and backup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/backpacking-stoves\">Stove<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/stove-fuel\">fuel<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0repair kit<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/matches\">Matches<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/lighters\">lighter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/cookware-and-dinnerware\">Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups<\/a>\u00a0(measuring\/drinking)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bear-resistant-food-containers\">Bear canister<\/a>\u00a0(Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved canister)<\/li>\n<li>30 ft. of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/cords\">rope<\/a>\u00a0for hanging food and trash<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gear-repair\">Repair kits for sleeping pad and other gear; duct tape strips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fire-starters\">Fire starter<\/a>\u00a0(for emergency survival fire)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Clothing and Footwear<\/h3>\n<p>The base elevation in Glacier is approximately 3,110 ft. on the west side and 4,540 ft. on the east side. The average daily high temperature during summer months is 70\u00b0\u201380\u00b0F, while the average daily low is 45\u00b0F. At higher elevations, both averages will be lower. If you\u2019re camping in the backcountry, be sure to bring insulated clothing.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Continental Divide creates a rain shadow for the east side of Glacier, you still need to be prepared for rainy weather in all parts of the park because the weather patterns are highly variable. When you head into the backcountry, rain gear is a must.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/briefs-and-boxers\">Wicking, quick-drying underwear<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/womens-sports-bras\">Wicking, quick-drying sports bra<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/long-underwear\">Wicking, quick-drying long underwear<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\">Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Quick-drying\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-pants\">pants<\/a>\u00a0(for added tick protection) or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-shorts\">shorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-jackets\">Fleece jacket<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-vests\">vest<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insulated-jackets\">insulated jacket<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insulated-vests\">vest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/fleece-pants\">Fleece pants<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insulated-jackets\">Midweight down or synthetic jacket<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/rain-jackets\">Waterproof\/breathable rain jacket<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/rain-pants\">Waterproof\/breathable rain pants<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bandanas\">Bandana<\/a>\u00a0or Buff<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sun-hats\">Sun-shielding hat<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/ball-caps\">ball cap<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/winter-hats\">Winter hat<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/gloves-and-mittens\">Warm gloves or mittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-boots\">Hiking boots<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-shoes\">shoes<\/a>\u00a0suited to terrain<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hiking-socks\">Socks<\/a>\u00a0(synthetic or wool) plus spares<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/c\/leg-gaiters\">Gaiters<\/a>\u00a0(for added tick protection)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sandals\">Sandals<\/a>\u00a0(for fording streams and relaxing in camp)<a name=\"Personal_Items\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/swimwear\">Swimwear<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/winter-traction-devices\">Microspikes<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/crampons\">crampons<\/a>\u00a0(optional, but encouraged for spring\/fall)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/ice-axes\">Ice axe<\/a>\u00a0(optional, but encouraged for spring\/fall and high alpine areas)<\/li>\n<li>Change of clothes to leave in car<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Personal Items<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sunglasses\">Sunglasses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/water-bottles\">Water bottles<\/a>\u00a0(3) or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/hydration-reservoirs\">hydration reservoirs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sunscreen\">Sunscreen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/lip-balm\">Lip balm<\/a>\u00a0(SPF rated)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-toothbrushes\">Toothbrush<\/a>\u00a0with cover and biodegradable toothpaste<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/soap-and-shampoo\">Biodegradable soap<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Toilet paper<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-shovels\">Sanitation trowel<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hand sanitizer<\/li>\n<li>Women\u2019s hygiene items<\/li>\n<li>Personal wipes<\/li>\n<li>Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses<\/li>\n<li>Medications<\/li>\n<li>Plastic zip-top bags<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/food-storage-containers\">Odor-blocking storage bags<\/a>\u00a0(optional, to cleanly stow trash)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/insect-repellent\">Insect repellent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bear-spray\">Bear spray<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/first-aid-kits\">First-aid kit<\/a>\u00a0(see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/first-aid-checklist.html\">First-Aid Checklist<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/camp-towels\">Quick-drying towel<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Camera or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/helmet-cameras\">helmet cam<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/memory-cards\">extra memory cards<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/binoculars\">Binoculars<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li>Cell phone (don\u2019t rely on service and switch off international roaming)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/satellite-messengers\">Satellite communicator<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/personal-locator-beacons\">personal locator beacon<\/a>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<li>Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/journals\">Journal<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/pens\">pen<\/a>\u00a0and e-reader or reading material (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Fishing gear (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Fishing permit (optional; see the park\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glac\/planyourvisit\/fishing.htm\">fishing page<\/a>\u00a0for requirements)<\/li>\n<li>Credit card; small amount of cash<\/li>\n<li>Wilderness permit<\/li>\n<li>National Parks pass (yearly pass available from REI.com)<\/li>\n<li>Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Food<\/h3>\n<p>Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breakfast (oatmeal, granola,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/freeze-dried-breakfasts\">freeze-dried breakfast<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/freeze-dried-dinners\">freeze-dried dinner<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/snacks\">Snacks<\/a>\u00a0(cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/energy-gels\">Energy gels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bars\">Energy bars<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/sport-drinks\">Electrolyte replacement drink mix<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Extra day\u2019s supply of food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image section\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\">The Ten Essentials<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/backpack.html\">Backpacks: How to Choose<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/backpacking-how-to-cross-train.html\">Backpacking: Training Tips and Exercises<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With more than a million acres of rugged wilderness and 700 miles of trails weaving through its valleys, mountains and alpine lakes, Glacier National Park is a paradise for backpackers. If you\u2019re ready to explore Glacier\u2019s backcountry, here\u2019s a checklist to help you plan your trip. The following list is designed for a non-guided backpacking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":21253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[15,254,1540,113,1539],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-21148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-backpacking","tag-montana","tag-mountain-west","tag-national-park","tag-packing-lists"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Glacier National Park Backpacking Packing List","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/10\/RME_051616_40112_Glacier_NP_Gear_List.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/10\/RME_051616_40112_Glacier_NP_Gear_List.jpg?fit=4368%2C2912"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Emily Irelan"}],"creator":["Emily Irelan"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["backpacking","montana","mountain west","national parks","packing lists"],"dateCreated":"2016-02-04T16:57:12Z","datePublished":"2016-02-04T16:57:12Z","dateModified":"2022-02-03T23:51:06Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Glacier National Park Backpacking Packing List\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/glacier-national-park-backpacking-packing-list\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2017\\\/10\\\/RME_051616_40112_Glacier_NP_Gear_List.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2017\\\/10\\\/RME_051616_40112_Glacier_NP_Gear_List.jpg?fit=4368%2C2912\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Emily Irelan\"}],\"creator\":[\"Emily Irelan\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"backpacking\",\"montana\",\"mountain west\",\"national parks\",\"packing lists\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2016-02-04T16:57:12Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-02-04T16:57:12Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-02-03T23:51:06Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/10\/RME_051616_40112_Glacier_NP_Gear_List.jpg?fit=4368%2C2912","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21148"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":175182,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21148\/revisions\/175182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21148"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=21148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}