America’s national parks are wonderful destinations to take a vacation. From the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite in California to the Glacier National Park in Montana, these stunning spots are very different, and all have certain features for people to experience. Anyone who will visit the country’s national parks will undoubtedly have an excellent adventure that will soothe even the most over-stressed soul.
If you happen to stay in the national parks, it’s significant to be respectful of the place you’re visiting, and preparing in advance to your adventure will go a long way. You might have to make some adjustments depending on what season you will travel, so you can enjoy your entire stay without having any worries.
Below is a list of packing essentials that will cover your basic needs and a few considerations in advance to your trip to America’s national parks.
Photo Equipment
Of course, you would want to record your visit to the National Parks. And speaking of photo equipment, if you’re going to document unforgettable moments, you must have your photo kit with you, or else you won’t get a chance to look back on your amazing experiences.
Yes sure, you can rely on your smartphone to take a shot of some memorable moments, but once you arrive at that magnificent mountaintop where you see the sun setting over the distant horizon, you will regret not bringing along your DSLR camera and tripod to have a better photograph of the beauty stretching out before you.
Bringing some primary photo equipment, extra fully-charged batteries, additional memory cards, and a perfect camera bag won’t be adding too much weight and will let you save your memories on your photo albums or digital storage which you can look back for the years to come.
Camping Gears Checklist
When going to the national parks, you might also consider camping and spending the night. When packing, it’s necessary to bring basic camping equipment to prepare for those nights.
Here’s a checklist of essential camping gears that you should pack:
Tent – Make sure to bring a high-quality type with an excellent rain fly that you can easily remove during fair weather if you decide to lie under the starry night sky. Consider bringing a bigger tent if you’re with four to five people.
Sleeping Bags – It’s better to do some advance research about the average nighttime temperature of the place you want to go and bring a sleeping bag that is perfect for the conditions.
Fire Starter Equipment – Fire is necessary since you can use it for many reasons. If you plan to go to a place where rain is frequent, searching for dry kindling to start a fire can be difficult. You should make sure to bring a fire starter so that you won’t have a hard time when lighting a campfire or cooking your dinner.
LED Lantern – While you are enjoying the dark starry sky, making countless memories with your loved ones, it’s crucial for you to see what you’re doing once the sun sets in. Thus, bringing a handy LED lantern is a must. It’s okay to carry classic kerosene lanterns, but today’s LED lamps are more energy-efficient and will give you plenty of nighttime lighting on one battery charge for your entire stay.
Pack the Right Clothing
In terms of clothing, pick those quick-dry and lightweight clothes. You can also pack long sleeve shirts to help ease the heat. Trousers which has a zip-off at the bottom will secure your legs and can transform into shorts when needed. Layers are also essential, so instead of wearing one thick layer, wear lighter layers of clothes since you can easily remove it and wear them again.
Sun Protection and Water Bottle
The last thing you will want to cope with when traveling America’s national parks is a sunburn that’s why you should never forget to bring a hat and sunscreen with you. If you are exposed to the sun for an extended period, pick a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
A reusable water bottle is also a necessity when exploring America’s national treasures because you need to stay hydrated all the time. It’s a good feeling quenching your thirst during a long hike.
Takeaway
America’s national parks are among the country’s greatest treasures. If you’re finally ready to start you’re once in a lifetime adventure, you need to make sure you’re prepared enough to guarantee that you make the most out of your great outdoor experience. Once you already hit the road, going back home for a piece of equipment that you forgot is impossible. So, the guide above will help you pack the essential things you need to bring in your trip to the United State’s national park.
Author Bio
Yesh Quijano is an aspiring photographer and freelance writer. Aside from his passion for taking photos and writing, Yesh loves to go on outdoor adventures. He visited five national parks already and captured stunning shots of these areas. When he’s not busy traveling, Yesh writes articles for blogs such as MILK Books to share his experiences and learnings.
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