Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

Bring these things along on your Yosemite vacation.

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

Last updated:
February 18, 2025
|  5 min read
A man standing and looking over a river.

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

YouTube video highlight

Bring these things along on your Yosemite vacation.

Watch video

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

No items found.

What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Tori Peglar
In 2018, Tori was recognized for her work with National Park Journal, winning three first-place awards for the Grand Canyon edition of the magazine.
Media Mentions

Outside: What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation

You’re headed to Yosemite National Park where you’ll find yourself in Ansel Adams country amid beautiful waterfalls, outstanding views of the iconic Half Dome and ancient giant sequoia groves. But how do you pack for Yosemite, a place where valley temperatures can soar while alpine campsites can be cool? Here are the top 15 items to put in your suitcase and one item to leave at home.

1. Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls
If you plan on river rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just playing in the Merced River, or rivers near the park, you will want a good pair of water shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended for water activities as they will get stuck in the mud and either break or get swallowed down river. A covered rubber-toed shoe can help you avoid getting bruised toes from river rocks or cuts from stray logs. (Read more about water safety in Yosemite)

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tori Peglar.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Tori Peglar
In 2018, Tori was recognized for her work with National Park Journal, winning three first-place awards for the Grand Canyon edition of the magazine.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer
March 16, 2026
6 Min
The Trek: Peg Leg’s Calendar Year Triple Crown Gear List
Read More

Media Mentions

I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail.

Mac
Mac
Contributing Writer

Media Mentions

Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze

Gustavo
Hiker

Media Mentions

I like to use my CNOC as a gravity system with the Sawyer Squeeze filter.

Mike Unger, Liz Thomas, & Naomi Hudetz
Treeline Review Staff
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory