What To Pack For Glacier NP: You’ll Love this Checklist

Want to know what to pack for a Glacier National Park trip? Excellent, because I have you covered. As a type-A traveler who loves the outdoors and has been to 15 US national parks, 40 US states, and over 50 countries, I know my way around packing for a trip. Get my list of things I recommend bringing for an epic Glacier experience that includes hiking. Or jump here for a downloadable copy of the packing list I used for my family’s Glacier visit. 

From clothing and footwear to safety and wildlife essentials, I will guide you through what to bring or buy for a Glacier National Park summer or fall visit. Though this Glacier packing list is most suitable for visitors staying in hotels, inns, and lodges as we did, I also provide links to resources you may need for car camping and backcountry stays. So, craft your list, pack your bags, and prepare for an unforgettable visit to Glacier National Park.

Looking for more Glacier National Park planning resources? Jump here for links to helpful guides on the best places to stay, what to do, where to hike, places to eat, and tips to ensure your best trip.

Download a free copy of my Glacier National Park packing list.

See and download the comprehensive packing list I used for my family for our seven-day Montana trip, which included four days in Glacier and three days in Missoula. On the Glacier portion of our trip, we stayed outside the park, drove a rental car, and hiked daily. While in Missoula, we explored the town, hiked, biked, and went on a float trip.

To get a free, blank copy of this packing template to download and print, visit this article. Or click the image below.

Finally, if you would like more information on specific products and items I recommend for outdoor trips and have used for years, check out these sections below: 

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Personal items & toiletries
• Additional gear, equipment & extras
• Food & water essentials
• Camping & backcountry gear

Be prepared for changing weather.

An important note on the weather in Glacier National Park during a summer or early fall visit: it can be unpredictable and periodically extreme. The park’s high elevation and mountainous terrain contribute to a variation in climate. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, even within the same day. Expect anything from sunny skies to heavy rain or snowfall, even as early as the first few weeks of September. Sudden thunderstorms or unexpected showers can be common. Winds can also be fierce, especially at higher elevations.

To accommodate these changes, you want to pack and carry layers of clothing, including a waterproof shell, extra snacks, and water. When you head out on a beautiful sunny blue-sky summer morning, bringing these extra supplies may feel like overkill. I promise you; it is not. Afternoon thunderstorms are typical. When they blow in, temps can drop fast. Especially hiking on trails far from shelter, it is best and safest to avoid being cold, wet, and hungry.

The season to visit Glacier is short (mainly June through September) due to its high elevation and heavy snowfall in winter. Learn the best times to visit and get 16 other Glacier trip planning tips in this article.

Clothing: what to pack.

When packing for Glacier National Park, choose versatile and durable clothing able to withstand the park’s variable weather. The key is to layer your clothing, allowing you to adjust to the changing temperatures and weather throughout the day.

Here is a list of clothing items ideal for a Glacier National Park trip. I provide preferred brands and specific products when I have them. 

• Underwear: ExOfficio is our joint preferred brand for men’s and women’s high-performance and moisture-wicking underwear that is also ideal for hiking and every day traveling. Plus, its quick dry fabric makes it perfect for on-the-go sink washes.
  
  

• Socks: see the footwear section below.
  
  
• Bras: my preferred brand is Handful, which offers a breathable tank bra with adjustable straps that can be worn in three ways to accommodate different tank and tee styles.
  
  

• Sleepwear and/or loungewear: bring warmer layers as it can get chilly at night.
  
  

• T-shirts and casual tops: my go-to brands for stylish activewear for women are KÜHL, Athleta, and Prana. My husband generally prefers KÜHL and Under Armour. All offer quick-dry and moisture-wicking materials that reduce chafing. When packing for Glacier, bring short-sleeve tops, and include at least one or more long-sleeves for layering.
  
  

• Hiking pants, leggings & shorts: we prefer the same high-performing brands with lightweight materials for tops that we do for bottoms. A requirement for me—all my women’s bottoms must have pockets.
  
  

• Sweaters and sweatshirts.
  
  

• Outerwear: fleece or other jackets. I love this stylish and tight-weave fleece from KÜHL. It provides warmth without the bulk and easily fits under an outer shell like a rain jacket. KÜHL has this great comparable fleece for men. My husband also likes to bring his lightweight down puffer jacket from REI.
  
  

• Rain gear: this waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and easy-to-pack rain jacket (women’s and men’s) and pants (women’s and men’s) from Marmot are ideal for stuffing in a day pack and forgetting about them until rain clouds roll in.
  
  

• Hat for sun protection.
  
  

• Swimsuit, rash guard, or swim cover-up: If you plan to raft, kayak, or swim, remember to pack your swimwear. Also, consider bringing a rash guard like this one for women or men or other sun protection for a long day on the water.
  
  

• Wool (or synthetic) hats and gloves. Temperatures at high altitudes, even in summer, can be chilly. Bring along gloves and a hat on these hikes.
  
  
  

How to best layer for warmth when hiking.

Especially if you plan to visit Glacier early or late in the season, you will want to dress in easy-to-add or remove layers. Doing this will help you enjoy your outdoor experience regardless of the weather.

For a base layer, start with moisture-wicking, synthetic fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton since it absorbs moisture. Look for lightweight, quick-drying materials. These base layers will help regulate your body temperature and prevent chafing. My favorite brand for high-performance hiking apparel with a sense of style for both men and women is KÜHL. Additionally, Athleta offers a wide range of flattering and breathable base layer items like tanks, tees, shorts, and tights for women.

Over your base, you will want to add a mid-layer. For this, breathable and lightweight fleece jackets and sweatshirts are ideal. Then, when the weather turns wet, cold, or windy, wear an outer layer or shell. Your shell should be waterproof and windproof. Look for lightweight jackets and pants made of Gore-Tex or a similar high-performance material. I recommend this Marmot jacket (women’s and men’s) and pants (women’s and men’s). Lightweight materials allow you to move freely and add minimal bulk to your day pack when being carried. 

Finally, remember to bring a hat and gloves, particularly for high-altitude hikes. A warm, insulated hat that covers your ears, along with insulated gloves, will be welcome when temperatures turn cold.

Footwear: what to pack.

Quality footwear is possibly the most important item on your Glacier National Park packing list. The park’s rugged terrain, with steep trails, rocky surfaces, and potentially snowy or muddy conditions, demands sturdy, high-quality hiking boots or shoes.

Here is a list of the footwear essentials I recommend bringing on a Glacier National Park trip: 

• Hiking shoes: since we mainly do day hikes, my husband and I prefer low-top hiking shoes. I have owned this pair of Obōz thick tread and weatherproof shoes for over ten years. My husband has the same style for men.
  
  

• Hiking boots: if you are going on a multi-day backcountry hiking trek, I recommend wearing high-top hiking boots to provide ankle support and shouldering the weight of a heavy pack. This waterproof pair for men or women also from Obōz is ideal.
  
  

• Socks: for men and women, we love Smartwool socks. Since I generally wear low-top hiking shoes (vs. boots), I like these low-ankle socks. Here is the same version for men. I also like these ankle socks from KÜHL. For taller crew socks, Smartwool also offers great options.
  
  

• Water shoes: If you plan to ford streams while hiking or go on a float or kayak trip, you will want to bring water shoes with treads like these for women and men. Or strappy waterproof sandals like this.
  
  

• Sneakers: Given room to spare in your luggage, bring a pair of sneakers like the lightweight options from On Running that you can slip into at the end of a day of hiking.
  
  

• Flip flops or slides: When checking a bag, giving me extra luggage space, I also like to bring a pair of my cushiony Vionic slides to wear around our lodging. One, so I avoid going barefoot. And two, to get more post-hike respite for my tired soles.
  
  

How to keep your feet dry & comfortable when hiking.

Here are four tips to ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable during your Glacier National Park visit. 

1. What to look for in new hiking shoes or boots: Prioritize comfort, support, and traction when selecting new hiking footwear. Look for boots or shoes with a stiff, well-cushioned sole that will provide stability and protect your feet from uneven ground. The material for the uppers should be durable, water-resistant, or ideally waterproof to keep your feet dry and protected. Our preferred hiking footwear brand, which we have worn for years, is Obōz.
   
   

2. Break them in before you go: New, untested footwear can lead to painful blisters and sore feet, which can sour your outdoor experience. Because of this, break in new hiking footwear before your trip. Wear your new shoes on several long walks or hikes to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
   
   

3. Remember lots of socks: Pack plenty of high-quality, moisture-wicking socks. Wool or synthetic blends help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry. I have seen recommendations to pack as many as two pairs of socks per day on hiking trips. However, I generally bring one pair per day with a few extras. Rarely have I needed more. Stick an extra pair in your day pack when you hike. If your feet get wet from a sudden downpour or you slip off a slick rock while crossing a stream, you will greatly appreciate having something dry to change into.
   
   

4. Bring footwear alternatives: Along with hiking boots or shoes, you will want to pack a pair of lightweight, breathable sneakers, sandals, or water shoes. These can be useful for crossing streams, wading in lakes, or relaxing around your lodging or campsite. The extra footwear will be a balm for tired feet, allowing them to air out after a long day of hiking.
   
   

Personal items, toiletries & medicines: what to pack.

In addition to clothing, footwear, and gear essentials, you will want to pack the toiletries, personal items, and medicines specific to your Glacier National Park needs. I break down what to pack into two categories: personal items and medical kit. See the details for each below. 

Personal items & toiletries list.

Here is the list of personal items and toiletries you may need for your Glacier National Park trip. I share preferred brands and specific products when I have them. 

• Toothbrush.
• Toothpaste.
• Dental floss.
• Mouthwash.
• Deodorant.
• Shampoo & conditioner: I love these TSA-compliant refillable and easy-to-clean GoToob toiletry bottles from Humangear for shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids.
• Soap.
• Hair styling products.
• Hair accessories: ties, clips, bands, etc.
• Brush & comb.
• Hair styling tools: hair dryer, curling iron, etc.
• Shaving supplies: razor, cream, etc.
• Body moisturizer: I always bring a bottle of this Eucerin heavy-duty cream.
• Face cleansers.
• Acne treatment: I rarely break out at home. I often do on trips and bring this Neutrogena acne gel. 
• Other facial creams.
• Makeup.
• Sunscreen: our fair-skinned family always travels with an exhaustive supply of Blue Lizard sunscreens recommended by our dermatologist.
• Lip balm.
• Insect repellant.
• Contact lens items: solution, cases, backup lenses, etc.
• Glasses, bifocals, and/or sunglasses.
• Glasses cleaner and shammy.
• Rewetting eye drops: my eyes often get dry while traveling. I love these gel drops from Rohto.
• Orthodontic items: retainers, rubber bands, wax, etc.
• Nail care tools: clippers, files, polish, etc.
• Tweezers.
• Feminine care products.
• Personal care wipes or biodegradable toilet paper: carry in your day pack on hikes to use for au naturel toilet stops along the trail. Pack out used wipes in leak-free disposable bags.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Vitamins.
• Travel sewing kit.
• Sleep mask.
• Travel pillow.
• Laundry detergent: these space-saving Tide laundry packets are ideal for on-the-go sink washes.
• Laundry bag.
• Yoga mat: we often bring foldable yoga mats to do light yoga and stretch sore muscles. My husband has this one from Primasole, and I use this one from Gaiam.
• Extra resealable bags: I bring reusable zip-top bags like these to keep moisturizers, sunscreens, and larger liquid bottles securely enclosed in my luggage. 
  
  

If you do not own a dedicated Dopp kit or hanging bag to store your toiletries while traveling, consider buying one. I love this durable Sea to Summit hanging bag that is roomy enough to fit most travel-sized items. 

Medical kit essentials.

On any trip, especially an active one to Glacier National Park, you will want to pack first-aid supplies. Your kit should include all the essentials to treat a cough, cold, cut, or unexpected non-emergency ailment. 

Here is a list of medical supplies you may need. It contains items my family brought on our Glacier National Park trip. Your specific needs may vary based on your health requirements. You will want to take an abbreviated version of this kit with you when you hike. In it, bring items that can treat a scrape, fall, or mild illness. 

This list should not replace professional medical advice or physician guidance.

• Cold suppressant: our preferred brand is Nature’s Way UMCKA. 
• Digital thermometer.
• Adult acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic.
• Adult ibuprofen: Advil or generic. 
• Adult diphenhydramine: Benadryl or generic
• Sudafed
• (For families) children’s acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
• (For families) children’s ibuprofen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
• Bacitracin: Neosporin or generic
• Band-aids and gauze
• Scissors: our Swiss army knife, included in the additional gear# section below, provides scissors.
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Anti-nausea medication: prescription strength Zofran
• Anti-diarrheal: Imodium or generic
• Pepto-Bismol
• TUMS
• Afrin
• Allergy nasal spray: Claritin or generic
• Allergy medicine: Claritin or generic antihistamine
• Aloe vera
• Prescription medications(s)
  

Additional gear, equipment, and extras: what to pack. 

See below for a list of additional gear, equipment, and extras you may want to bring on your Glacier trip for photography, hiking, entertainment, or tech needs.

• High-quality backpack or day pack: choose a pack that is comfortable to wear, has ample storage space, and features a supportive frame. Look for packs with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a breathable back panel. For day hikes, I love this North Face bag. Because of its convenient padded laptop compartment, it does double-duty as my all-purpose and high-performance travel and work bag.
  
  

• Swiss Army knife: when we check luggage, we always bring this multi-purpose tool on national park visits.
  
  

• Hiking poles: if you do not already own them, consider buying collapsible hiking poles like this to help with steep hikes, particularly ones with loose rocky surfaces or for crossing snowfields.
  
  

• Yaktrax: slip on these traction spikes to safely cross early or late-season snow.
  
  

• Binoculars: be sure to pack binoculars to search for wildlife.
  
  

• GPS device or compass: expect no cell coverage within the Glacier National Park boundaries. To navigate the park’s trails, go old school with a paper map or compass. Or embrace tech with a personal GPS device. Alternatively, do what we do—download offline hiking maps from AllTrails+ to our phones. In airplane mode, we use these maps to GPS-locate ourselves on the trail, monitor progress, and record our hikes.
  
  

• Camera or cell phone.
  
  

• Headlamps and/or flashlights.
  
  

• Lens cleaners: pack a spray bottle and shammies. Or buy these lens cleaner wipes.
  
  

• Fully charged power packs, batteries, USB cords, and chargers: conveniently recharge essential tech devices as needed.
  
  

• Personal entertainment and games: bring tablets, books, music, headphones, wireless speakers, notebooks, a pen for journaling, and games. I share my favorite travel games here.
  

Bear spray: always hike with it & do not fly with it.

You will want to carry bear spray when hiking in Glacier. Bears are present and are spotted often. Buy bear spray when you arrive at one of the stores near the park entrances. Then—familiarize yourself with how to use it. Read the instructions and watch a YouTube video like the one below. Always keep your spray easily accessible in your pack. If you plan to fly, do not buy bear spray in advance. Because its contents are flammable and hazardous, you cannot bring bear spray on a plane in your carry-on or pack it in your checked luggage.

Want to know more ways to stay safe in Glacier? From books about bear encounters to water and road safety, I share five important Glacier National Park safety tips in this comprehensive Glacier planning guide. 

Food and water essentials for Glacier National Park.

Because there are limited dining options in the park, long driving distances, and likely physically demanding activities, you will want to bring ample food and water when visiting Glacier. Buy groceries outside the park at these spots. To make picnic lunches, we picked up bread, cheeses, and meats to make sandwiches and fresh fruit. For snacks—we bought non-perishable and easy-to-pack items like trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit, and jerky. 

Then, when it comes to staying hydrated, aim to carry two to three liters (68 to 100 ounces) of water per person per day. The mountainous climate in Glacier can lead to dehydration. Pack reusable water bottles like this or a hydration bladder like this one. During our July trip, we each carried two 32-ounce water bottles per person.

Camping & backcountry: what to pack.

If your Glacier National Park trip includes camping or self-guided backcountry treks, you will require additional gear. Since I do not camp or go on self-guided multi-day hikes as frequently as I once did, I rely on this car camping and backcountry checklist from the Bearfoot Theory blog. 

Related reading.

Need more help planning your Glacier National Park or Montana trip? Check out these related articles. Get more information, ideas, and resources to plan better travel and get out the door with less hassle.

• How to Plan a Glacier National Park Trip: 17 Essential Tips
• The Best of Glacier NP: An Action-Packed 4-Day Itinerary
• Glacier Reservation & Pass: How to Enter This National Park
• Glacier NP: Ultimate Guide Where to Stay Inside the Park
• The Best Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park
• Glacier National Park: 37 Amazing Things to See & Do
• 10 Glacier National Park Hiking Trails You Will Love
• The Best Places to Eat Around Glacier National Park
• 39 Amazing Ideas for Things to See & Do in Missoula
• How to Make the Most of Missoula in 3 Days
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
  
  

Feedback & questions.

Did this article help? Do you have questions about an upcoming visit? Or updates to the information shared? Please post in the comments below, and I will respond.