Let’s Get Packing! How to Layer for a Successful Yellowstone Summer Adventure

By Chelsea DeWeese

Two of the primary questions we get from our first-time Yellowstone guests are: “What will the weather be like?” and “How should I dress?”

We get it. Committing to a day afield in an unfamiliar environment can be daunting, especially in a place like Yellowstone where the weather can keep even the most seasoned visitors guessing.

Yellowstone’s Northern Range, where we at Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles are located, is considered high-mountain desert. What that means is, while we typically don’t experience much humidity or vast amounts of precipitation, temperatures throughout the course of a day can vary widely. Chilly mornings can leave you shuffling to stay warm while sunny afternoons can have you mopping sweat from your forehead. Then you can throw in the occasional afternoon thundershower or even a snowstorm. In order to keep up with the changing conditions while out on tour with us, we suggest you plan ahead and pack lots of layers. We promise you the advance wardrobe planning will be worth it.

Because—let’s face it—in order to fully enjoy your time on tour witnessing the wild animals and majestic vistas Yellowstone has to offer, you will want to be comfortable both in and out of the vehicle. On that note, here are some of our suggested items to bring with you. Now let’s get packing!

STURDY SHOES

While you don’t have to spend a bunch of money on high-tech shoes to go on tour with us, we do recommend you wear closed-toed shoes that will protect your feet from wayward rocks, sticks, sagebrush, and even the occasional (yes) prickly pear cactus. Ideally your shoes are broken in and comfortable to walk in and lace up for additional ankle support on uneven surfaces. Open-toed sandals, dress shoes, and footwear without good traction are not recommended. We make a point of getting you off the beaten trail on our tours and want to ensure you are able to confidently explore the park with us.

MOISTURE-WICKING SOCKS

In order to keep your feet dry and comfortable inside your sturdy shoes we suggest you pair them with moisture-wicking socks. In early spring and autumn you may consider wearing, or at least bringing along, heavier socks to keep your feet warm. Lighter socks are appropriate for mid-summer. Moisture-wicking socks are sold at most outdoor stores and are usually made with synthetic materials like polyester and nylon or natural materials like merino wool. We prefer tall socks for ankle protection compared to ankle socks. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid anything made from cotton.

LONG UNDERWEAR

While not usually necessary June through August, in early spring and autumn it is helpful to have a warm base layer to wear in case of inclement weather and during early mornings. Our primary windows for successfully viewing wildlife like bears and wolves are at dawn and dusk, when temperatures can be quite chilly, even in summer. You’ll be thankful for warm layers while standing at a spotting scope, staying still, and watching natural events unfold through high-powered optics. Then, when temperatures warm up midday and we move on to other explorations, you can shed the base layer and wear only your lighter outer layer.

QUICK-DRY PANTS AND SHIRT

Speaking of that lighter outer layer, we recommend long-sleeve pants and shirts for UV protection as Yellowstone is located at a high altitude and the sun can be quite intense—particularly if you’re not used to the exposure. Quick drying synthetics are preferable to slow drying denim and cotton in case of a midday rain shower or a morning walk through dew-covered vegetation to get a better view of wild animals. Long sleeves are also preferable for protecting against scratches from sagebrush and other vegetation. Like the moisture-wicking socks, quick dry pants and shirts can be found at most outdoor sports stores.

WIND- AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER

Though it is quite possible you won’t need to use it, you will be happy to have it in your backpack if it does become necessary. Having a wind- and waterproof layer available can make or break an encounter with inclement weather, particularly in springtime when a visitor can experience all four seasons in a single afternoon. In summer, afternoon thundershowers can start without warning and it isn’t unheard of to encounter sleet and snowstorms in September. Sometimes this layer can be nice for warmth in case you get sweaty exploring and sit down to take a break for lunch.

BALLCAP, SUNSCREEN, WATER BOTTLE, SUNGLASSES

Other items you’ll be thankful to have easily accessible are a ballcap or other type of hat that shields your face from the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay nice and hydrated. At an average of 8,000 feet above sea level—6,000 feet above in the Northern Range where many of our tours are based—you’ll need to actively take care of yourself in terms of sun protection and hydration.

LIGHTWEIGHT, COLLAPSIBLE BACKPACK

To carry your water bottle, sunscreen, and other items including snacks, your lunch, extra layers, a field notebook, and your phone or camera, we suggest you consider a lightweight, collapsible backpack. Not only will this type of backpack be easy to travel with in a fully packed car or in luggage on an airplane, it is versatile enough that it won’t take up added room in your tour vehicle, which will provide you with more space. We like ones like this that feature outside holsters for water bottles, making it easier to stop and take a sip.

WARM OUTER LAYERS

Generally necessary in May and September moreso than in June, July, or August, lightweight gloves and a beanie-style hat are a helpful addition to your backpack. We suggest you also carry a lightweight jacket or vest. Fleece is a favorite synthetic of ours as it is moisture wicking yet traps your body heat. Having easily accessible layers to stay warm will keep you comfortable when temperatures drop, and you will feel more confident knowing you have them in case you need them. That way, you can focus on what Yellowstone is showing you during the day rather than wishing you had packed your backpack differently.

In Yellowstone, every day is different. This goes for the wild animals you’ll see, the hydrothermal features that erupt, the other visitors from across the world you’ll meet, and the type of weather you’ll encounter. While we can generally describe to you what we expect during certain times of year, our best advice to you is to basically prepare for all of it.

You can expect a detailed packing list with your confirmation email should you choose to book a summer tour with us (which we hope you do!) and you can find more information on what to bring in the dropdown menu in our Tour Details at the bottom of the page. Thank you for considering booking a tour with Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles. We would be honored to be part of your Yellowstone summer adventure!

Chelsea DeWeese writes from her hometown of Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.