Day Trip Packing List

The weather is always unpredictable on the Continental Divide, which bisects Glacier National Park. Synthetic layers are always appropriate, as huge swings in temperature in one day are not uncommon in Montana!

All hiking and backpacking trips include a Vehicle Reservation for Glacier National Park!

  • 2 quart sized water bottles or Camelback
  • Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks- no cotton, please
  • Synthetic wicking t-shirt
  • Hiking shorts (quick-dry, lightweight)
  • Rain Jacket (hooded, lightweight, waterproof, breathable)
  • Hiking pants (convertible, quick-dry, lightweight)
  • Midweight fleece or wool jacket or sweater
  • Sunglasses and straps
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellant
  • Sun Hat or Ball cap
  • Daypack to carry items above – can be rented, if needed.
  • Park entrance pass and ID or money to purchase one  –  (You will not need to get an additional vehicle reservation ticket- learn more here.)
  • Gratuity for guide (18-20% is the standard for our industry)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional and can be rented with advanced reservation)

Please leave room in your pack for the yummy trail lunch that you will be given! Also, when going on a guided trip with us you’ll be entering the park in our vans. Therefore, you do not need an additional vehicle reservation. (Also known as ticketed entry).

Additional Items for Day Hikes in June or September:

  • Fleece or insulated jacket
  • Long underwear top and bottom (midweight, synthetic)
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves

Overnight Packing List

BACKPACKERS*, CHALET HIKERS AND GLACIER CHALLENGE HIKERS

* Items on the packing list marked with an asterisk are additional items that Backpackers are responsible for. Those items are included on Glacier Challenge trip or not needed on Chalet trips.

Equipment

  • Sleeping Bag (rated 20 to 30 degrees)*
  • Sleeping Pad*
  • Tent*
  • Backpack (70 to 80L for Backpacking Trips, 30L for Chalet or Glacier Challenge Trips)
  • Rain Cover for Backpack (or line inside of pack with garbage bag.) *
  • Trekking Poles *
  • (Equipment Rental Package includes all of the above – reservations required for backpacking trips. Included on the 5 Day Glacier Challenge. Not needed on Chalet trips)

Clothing

  • Long Underwear Top and Bottom (Midweight, Synthetic)
  • Midweight Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
  • Polar Fleece or Insulated Jacket (needed in June and September)*
  • Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
  • Rain Pants
  • Pair of Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
  • Fleece/Wool Hat
  • Fleece/Wool Gloves
  • Synthetic Wicking T-Shirt (1 for hiking, 1 for camp)
  • Pair of Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry Lightweight)
  • Lightweight Hiking Boots
  • 2 pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks – no cotton please
  • Sandals for Camp/Water Crossing (Teva/Chaco type)

Miscellaneous Essentials

  • Valid Passport to cross US-Canadian border.  (Backpackers and Glacier Challenge, not Chalet Hikers)
  • Park entrance pass and ID or money to purchase one  –  (You will not need to get an additional vehicle reservation ticket- learn more here.)
  • Gratuity for Guide (18 to 20% is the standard for our industry)
  • Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Quart Water Bottle
  • Ziploc Bags (larger size; to organize, keep items clean and dry)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, personal wipes, wash cloth.)
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm
  • Sun Hat or Ball Cap
  • Bug Spray
  • Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
  • Towel if on Glacier Challenge
  • Pillow if on Glacier Challenge

Optional Items

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • 1 Pair of Synthetic Liner Socks (help prevent blisters)
  • Fleece Pants (for trips in June and September)*
  • Lightweight Gaiters (recommended in June and September)*
  • Camp Towel if backpacking or on chalet trip
  • Camp Pillow if backpacking (lightweight, packable)(there are full size pillows at the Chalets)
  • Bandana
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunglasses and Straps
  • Ear Plugs
  • Small Multi Tool
  • Reading and Writing Materials
  • Fishing Gear – if you want to fish
  • Your Favorite Snack!
  • Alcoholic Beverages (no glass, consider weight for trip), or arrange for something to be left in your shuttle vehicle for when you get out.

Provided (no additional cost on guided trips)