Campground Opening Dates:

• Apgar Campground – Opens May 24th (open year-round, but the sites become available starting in the spring season)
• Fish Creek Campground – Opens May 26th
• Many Glacier Campground – Opens June 9th
• St. Mary Campground – Opens May 14th (open year-round, but the sites become available starting in the spring season)
• Two Medicine – Opens June 5th
• Sprague Creek – Opens May 26th
• Avalanche Campground – Opens July 17th

* All opening dates are according to NPS website and subject to change *

• All visitors entering one of these areas during the above time frames will need BOTH a vehicle reservation and a Park Entrance Fee or Park Pass (these can be purchased at the kiosk upon arrival to the park or online ahead of time).
• Visitors will be able to enter the “vehicle reservation” areas outside of 6 am – 3 pm without a vehicle reservation – the park is open 24/7!
• If you have a reservation for lodging, camping, or a commercial activity (boat tours, horseback rides, etc.) within one of the three specified reservation regions, this can be used as proof for entry INSTEAD of the vehicle reservation. This is only valid on the day of your campground or activity reservation. 

Release dates:

• A portion of vehicle reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance, starting on January 25, 2024, at 8 am MST on a daily rolling basis.
• Next Day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 pm MDT for next-day entry starting on May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis.

Additional Reminders & Resources

Park Entrance Fees

• All reservations mentioned above (campgrounds, vehicle, and concessioner reservations) do not include standard park entrance fees.
• A complete overview of Glacier National Parks entrance fees can be found here. 
• Our recommendations:
  • Buy an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80, although heavily discounted passes are available for 4th Graders (you read that right!), Seniors, and Military/Veterans. It’s an annual pass that will serve as your ticket to Glacier National Park as well as 2,000 federal recreation sites (including all National Parks). It’s a great way to support the parks!
  • For a few lucky summer travelers, all National Parks are free to enter on Saturday September 28th for National Public Lands Day.

Campsite Rules To Know In Glacier National Park

• Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in bear-proof storage lockers near campground restrooms.
• Don’t Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood within the same county in which you plan to camp. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. 
• Hammocks. Hammocks must be hung over non-vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.
• If arriving one or more days late, you are required to call (406) 732-7740 ext # 2. Your reservation will be forfeited if Park Rangers / Camp Hosts do not hear from you within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival date.

Additional Tips

• Photos of individual campsites (including layout, tree coverage, and views) may be available on campsitephotos.com
• Showers at certain campgrounds can be coin operated. Change machines are often available, but it can be a great use of your spare change.
• We have put together a step-by-step “How-To” guide on booking campgrounds, found HERE. 

Weather

• 10 Day Forecast: Whitefish
• 10 Day Forecast: Waterton
• 10 Day Forecast: Banff

Road Closures Can Happen!

To avoid hitting a dead end, be sure to check the Current Conditions page for GNP. Here they will list any alerts you may need to know about closures, construction, and more. On top of that, park rangers are there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for some tips and tricks when you see them around.

The post Glacier National Park Updates: Summer 2024 appeared first on Moterra Campervans.

Fall is a great time to travel in Utah! For the fall colors but also for one of mountain biking’s wildest events – Redbull Rampage.

Every year, thousands of people flock to Virgin, Utah to camp, ride, adventure, and party in the desert in the birthplace of competition free-ride mountain biking. You can watch the event on Friday, Oct 13th this year. 

We’re planning on being there and we plan on making a long weekend trip out of it since it’s within sight of Zion National Park!

What is Red Bull Rampage?

Red Bull Rampage debuted in 2001 and challenged riders to navigate down treacherous desert ridge lines, enormous drops, and rugged canyons with speed and style. If thats hard to imagine… here is a video from last years best moments of the 2022 Redbull Rampage. 

What is the terrain like?

A week before the event, a rider and two “diggers” builds and sculpts their dream line down the mountain. Each route interprets the terrain, flow, and artistry in its basic form. 

If you’re picturing these riders dropping into consequential steep terrain, navigating ridge lines with “no fall zones,” backflipping 40 ft cliffs, and jumping 40+ foot gaps… you’re right on the money.

They ride on terrain that the average person has nightmares about. 

How to win Rampage

Risk and creativity are part of the game and are rewarded generously. In the most basic sense, the faster you go, the higher you jump, the more complex the trick you do, the more points you will get.

Sweaty palms and an elevated heart rate come with the territory… as a spectator. 

How to get there and where to camp

Virgin, Utah is less than than 4 hours from our Salt Lake City hub and less than 3 hours from our Vegas hub, the best way to see Redbull Rampage in 2023 is to plan a trip around it. The area itself is known for its incredible landscapes, mountain biking, and access to Zion National Park, where adventure opportunities are endless. 

Our favorite way to see it is to camp on BLM land with friends and family in one of our vans because of the access to some STUN

NING mountain biking near the park. You can go watch it on the 13th and then check out the Oct 14th Annular Eclipse early the next morning! 

Other activities to do in the area

We’d also recommend heading to Springdale, one of the country’s prettiest towns, for drinks, breakfast, dinner, or all of the above. 

Besides the self-guided options to do some of our favorite hikes in the park, like the Narrows, Angels Landing, and the Subway, Springdale also has access to local guiding companies that will take you climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, or anything in between. It’s the ultimate desert adventure mountain town. A couple hours away sits Bryce Canyon… another spot that we just wouldn’t want to miss when on a desert adventure in the southwest!

If you can’t go, watching online is GREAT!

If you can’t go in person, you can watch it live on ESPN+.   

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What are our three favorite things about traveling in Washington state?

1. Easy access to National Parks like the Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades.  
2. Stunning diverse landscapes from coastlines, mountains, snow-capped volcanoes, glaciers, alpine rivers, lakes and rainforests
3. Spectacular scenic drives to see fall foliage – the change of seasons in Washington is stunning. Colors of warm hues of gold will blanket the dramatic mountainous backdrops. 

USA, Washington, Mt. Rainier National Park. Mt. Rainier at sunrise. Credit as: Dennis Kirkland / Jaynes Galllery / DanitaDelimont.com

What’s the best time to travel to Washington to see fall colors? 

The answer is: VERY SOON!

Start by checking the Smoky Mountains National Fall Foliage Map to help you plan but generally speaking, fall foliage can be seen all over the country between the end of September and mid-October. And YES, call us biased, but we love experiencing it by van.  

What are some of our favorite routes to travel?

Take notes, here are some of our favorite trips for stunning views, access to adventure, and stunning fall colors in Washington State.

#1: The North Cascades loop – via State Route 20 and Highway 2

This iconic 400+ mile route traverses the North Cascades National Park, offering breathtaking vistas of colorful alpine meadows and vibrant foliage. Stops like Diablo Lake and Rainy Pass provide fantastic photo opportunities and hiking trails. Make your way through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth and up and over Stevens Pass. The nearby Deception Falls and Wallace Falls State Park are excellent places to explore.

If you’re a leaf-peeper, you’re probably very familiar with trees like Aspens, Cottonwoods, Scrub Oaks, Poplar, Birch, and Maples that show off their colors in fall. But have you ever heard of a Larch?! 

Larches are deciduous pine trees with needles that turn from green to gold before they fall off for winter. These whimsical trees have such showy colors that they inspire “Larch Madness” all over this area of Washington in the fall. If you’d like to partake, one of our favorite hikes is the Blue Lake Trail. You won’t be disappointed. 

#2: Mount Rainier National Park – via Chinook & White Pass Scenic Byways

Explore the Paradise area at Mount Rainier, where you can witness brilliant fall colors against the backdrop of the majestic mountain. The Chinook Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 410, is a picturesque and popular route in Washington State that winds through the Cascade Range, offering travelers a stunning display of autumn foliage and breathtaking mountain vistas. 

Make sure to stop into Wapiti Outdoors to stock up on gear and delicious treats from their coffee & ice cream shop – their huckleberry milkshake is worth the stop alone! If you still have an appetite, head across the street to the Naches Bar and Grill, an authentic and friendly mountain tavern that has served patrons for nearly 100 years!

One of our favorite options is to cruise up the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort, which will take you 2,400 vertical feet to the summit, where you will find breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range.

You can combine this with White Pass Scenic Byway, also known as the U.S. Route 12, to traverse westward with plenty of opportunities to adventure. 

Sea stacks on the Pacific coast at Ruby Beach Washington.

#3: Olympic Peninsula Loop: via the Pacific Coast Byway

Circle around the Olympic Peninsula on this stunning drive along State Highway 101 and visit the Olympic National Park. Check out Hoh Rainforest and the Quinault Valley as they come alive with rich fall colors, and stop by Peak 6 for some of our favorite Olympic National Park souvenirs. One of the best things to do in this area of Washington, which gets more than 140-200 inches of rainfall per year, is to explore some of its beautiful waterfalls. And if you’re looking for those quintessential coastal Washington views, stop at Ruby Beach for moody coastal and stop by Kalaloch Campground in Forks to see the Sitka Spruce “Tree of Life.”

Olympic National Park Hoh Rainforest The Epic Hall Of Mosses Trail Trees covered in moss in a temperate Hoh Rain Forest

Washington State is an incredible place to travel by van in the fall. It has plenty of wild places to explore by road, foot, or two wheels. Its ice-covered volcanoes and densely forested valleys make it the most stunning backdrop for one last adventure before the snow starts to fall.  

Want help planning? Moterra has you covered!

If you’re interested in traveling to the Pacific Northwest, we’ve already done most of the planning for you in this Insiders Guide and Hiking Gear Guide & Packlist. 

The post The Best Fall Foliage Roadtrips In WA 2023 appeared first on Moterra Campervans.

We’re all about going on adventures in our wildest spaces but just as much about unique experiences! Can you blend a Moterra-style off-the-grid luxury campervan trip with one that includes watching some of the world’s fastest cars race in Vegas this year? 

YES. WE. DO! 

This year, round 22 of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship season is hosted by Las Vegas! From November 16 – 20, the Vegas Strip will be roaring with life as 20 of the world’s fastest cars and drivers practice, qualify, and race around this brand-new F1 track down the famous Vegas Strip!

What is Formula 1?

Formula 1, commonly called F1, is considered the pinnacle of motorsport racing by many. To win, ten teams of 2 drivers must combine speed, skill, technology, and strategy to out-compete the rest of the field. The 2023 series will travel to 23 different race tracks, each with unique challenges that test every team and driver to their limit. 

The stakes are high, speeds are flat out, and room for error is marginal – making it one of the world’s most captivating and competitive motor racing championships. 

What does the pinnacle of motorsport look like for drivers?

• Millions of dollars are up for grabs for championship-winning drivers and teams.
• Annual contracts of some of the top / most winning drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen reach as high as $50 million or more. 
• 15 out of the 20 drivers are 30 years old or less. The youngest (in 2023) is 21. 
• Although drivers are “teammates,” they often fight for the win and sometimes crash each other out of the race. 
• “Team orders” can sometimes dictate which driver wins based on what will give the team the overall advantage in the championship. 

What is there to know about the cars of Formula 1?

• The record for a Formula 1 car’s fastest speed during a race is more than 230 mph!
• The car can produce around 800HP from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. 
• Each car can cost up to 10+ million dollars. 
• Due to the forces put into the tires during the turn, they are melting.
• The brakes can get so hot that they can burst into flames when the car stops – you will see the crew putting blowers into the brake ducts to circulate air. 

What do you need to know about the teams of Formula 1? 

Well… there is so much to know. But some basics include:

• There are only ten teams with two drivers for each + reserves. Top contenders include teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Redbull, and a few smaller teams that fight for the “best of the rest” title. 
• Teams must use at least two tire compounds during a race, so everyone must make at least one pit stop. Tire choice strategy is often a huge factor in winning a race. 
• It takes most teams under 3 seconds to change all four tires on an F1 car. RedBull holds the record at 1.82 seconds!
• A car that is just .5 seconds slower per lap than the fastest car is considered to be a very slow car.  
• Drivers communicate with their engineers all race long to report changing conditions, issues with the car, etc. Best of all, when you watch a race on F1 TV, you can hear the uncensored communications between any driver and team. 

How do drivers and teams win the overall championship?

The top 10 drivers per race collect points throughout the season, and the one with the most points wins the prestigious overall driver’s championship. The total points accumulated by the ten teams will also rank the top teams, ultimately deciding a winner of the Team Championship. 

What is unique about the track in Las Vegas?

• This venue is brand new to the 2023 F1 calendar and the third race in the United States this season due to its increase in popularity. 
• The track is being purpose-built in downtown Las Vegas for the race.
• Teams on the ground will resurface the pavement, fence off the race track, build grandstands for spectators, and more! 
• The street circuit is 3.8 miles long with 17 turns and long straightaways, allowing these machines to rip down the Las Vegas strip at projected top speeds of over 210 miles per hour.

Best of all, the race will be held at night and will surely be a stunning spectacle under the glow of casino lights. 

What is the weekend race schedule, and where can I buy tickets?

As of writing this blog on August 9, 2023, you can still buy tickets on the official Formula 1 website. Check out the race weekend schedule and buy tickets here.

 They usually include 2-3 practice sessions, a qualification race, and the championship race. 

Where can you learn more about Formula 1 racing? 

There are a few ways to learn more about the sport, but our favorite is watching the Netflix series about Formula 1 called Drive To Survive. 

What we love the most about this sport is that it’s as much about skills and tactics as it is about how fast the car can go, AND there are only 20 drivers to get to know. Netflix does a great job telling the story of each team and driver – it will leave you hungry for more! 

This series is credited for dramatically increasing the F1 fan base and profits over the past few years. In the 2022 race series, race fan attendance topped 5 million people!

Off to the races!

Although we’re typically excited to travel in our vans far away from civilization – the opportunity to travel to the Vegas area to see the Formula 1 race is just too difficult not to daydream about. There are plenty of camping options near the city and places to climb, hike, and bike which could make for a memorable vacation. 

Experiencing some of the most stunning scenery by day AND watching the pinnacle of motorsports racing under the Vegas lights by night seems like a winning formula.

The post Formula 1 In Vegas: Adventure by day, race by night appeared first on Moterra Campervans.

If you enjoy geeking out about outer space like we do, look to the skies on October 14 around 9 am PDT. You will start to see the beginning of an extraordinary annular solar eclipse that will only last a couple of hours. 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Have you ever noticed how the lights seem to dim or go completely dark during a solar eclipse?  

That’s because a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily obscuring all or part of the Sun’s light. The enormous shadow the moon casts on Earth is why the lights go out. If you’re not in the area blanketed by the moon’s shadow, you may only see a partial eclipse or none at all. 

A lunar eclipse is when the Earth aligns between the moon and the Sun. The reason the moon disappears is because the Earth’s shadow is essentially hiding it from view. 

There are three main types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular eclipses. Every eclipse has a different flavor, but an annular eclipse is one of our favorites!

This composite image shows the progression of a total solar eclipse over Madras, Oregon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

There are three kinds of Solar Eclipses:

Total Solar Eclipse: During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth that casts darkness onto a “path of totality.” To the naked eye (with eye protection), you’ll see a hypnotic glow around the moon’s edges. These wisping feathers of light are the Sun’s outermost edge, called the corona. 

And we think it’s just breathtaking. 

The next total eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024, and the one after that won’t happen in the US again until 2044. 

Partial Solar Eclipse: If you’re not in the “path of totality,” aka – directly in the moon’s shadow, you will only see a partial eclipse – when the moon only covers a part of the Sun. Even if you can’t see the eclipse from the path of totality, a partial eclipse is still a spectacular sight! 

Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular eclipse is often called the “ring of fire” because of the almost perfectly circular ring around the moon if you’re in the path of totality. The moon doesn’t orbit in complete circles around Earth. When the moon is at its farthest point and between the Sun and Earth, the solar eclipse will be a total solar eclipse. If the moon is not at its most distant point, it will be an annular solar eclipse.  

Where can you see the October 2023 Annular Eclipse?

Check out this map from NASA to plan your viewing of the annular eclipse. We are planning on spending ours somewhere remote in one of our vans. This map will also show you how much of a partial eclipse you can expect based on your location. 

The eclipse will start in Oregon around 9 am PDT and will end in Texas around 11 PDT. 

People in certain parts of Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado & Texas will see the eclipse in its totality – where you’ll see the full “ring of fire” and eclipses greatest effect in terms of darkness . See the list of cities/ areas worth traveling to here.

How to safely observe the Annular Eclipse

2017 Solar Eclipse totality as seen by the people attending the viewing event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, Oregon.

Eye safety is essential when looking at an eclipse! Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause permanent damage to your eyes. The fine folks at NASA recommend using specialized solar viewing glasses that comply with safety standards. Here is a list of “Suppliers of safe solar filters and viewers” from their website, where you can get yours today. 

GET THEM SOON and keep them in the junk drawer until the annular Eclipse on October 14, 2023! 

If you want to learn more about how to view the eclipse safely, you can read about it here. 

Enjoy the Annular Eclipse!

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate a fall adventure than to see a solar eclipse while on a trip. Although you can see this from the comfort of your own home, we plan on being out in the wilderness, somewhere in the path of totality, and we hope to see you out there as well!

If you can’t make this round, remember there’s a total eclipse on April 8, 2024!

If you’re looking to check out this eclipse from the comfort of one of our luxury Sprinter vans, you can contact contact us to see what is available!

Royalty free photos provided by: American Astronomical Society and NASA

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We celebrate spontaneity! Even if you didn’t plan your trip with us six months in advance, you can still secure incredible places to stay overnight in your van. This camping guide to help you save time when planning your next Moterra Campervan adventure!

Here is a Campervan Camping Guide for the six best online resources to help save you time and find awesome campsites for your next adventure.

 Step 1: How To Decide Where To Go

Check out our Insiders Guides on our Destinations pages for advice on our favorite campgrounds in each National or State Park. You can also email us and we’ll happily share them with you!

Check out our blog information about our favorite campsites, places worth visiting, and activities we recommend doing!

Step 2: How To Find & Book The Best Campsites Online

Here are our favorite resources for securing fantastic campsites no matter what time of year you’re traveling with us. We’ve found that these are much better than just a Google search. #SorryGoogle. 

Campnab

Campnab – Popular campsites often fill up months in advance, especially in National Parks. Campnab is a tool that monitors over 7,000 campgrounds and 3,200 parks for canceled reservations and alerts you when they become available, allowing you to book right away. This is one of our favorite resources which is why it’s #1 in our campervan camping guide. 

How we use it:

We use this to secure campsites at popular parks without spending hours monitoring individual websites ourselves. They have Pay-Per-Use and Membership pricing models with Good/Better/Awesome search frequencies. We find the Awesome tier worth the money anytime we have an urgent need!

Pay-Per-Use 

1. Good: $10/ search – scans every 60 mins, scan any date in the next 4 months
2. Better: $15/ search – scans every 20 mins, scan any date in the next 6 months
3. Awesome: $20/ search – scans every 5 mins, scan any date in the next 12 months

Monthly Membership Options: 

1. Good: $10/ month – scans every 15 mins, up to 3 concurrent scans
2. Better: $20/ month – scans every 10 mins, up to 5 concurrent scans
3. Awesome: $30/ month – cans every 5 mins, up to 7 concurrent scans

* See more about their pricing options here!

Dyrt

Dyrt – Think of Dyrt as the “Google for campgrounds.” It covers both public campgrounds (those on public lands) and privately-owned campgrounds. You can read reviews from other campers, get camping tips, and sign-up to receive text alerts when your favorite campgrounds have availability.

How we use it:

1. Early trip planning because it makes it easy to see most camping options available in the area you’re planning to visit.
2. Finding the best campgrounds along a specific driving route by creating a “Road Trip Map.”
3. Finding free camping, including sites away from the crowds and further off the beaten path.
4. Using its automated notifications (like Campnab) to score reservations in sold-out campgrounds.

iOverlander

1. iOverlander – A comprehensive tool for individuals who love traveling by vehicle in remote places, anywhere on the planet. The content is user generated, displayed on a map, and has information like campsites, gas stations, repair facilities, and so much more.  

How we use it:

We love using the map feature of iOverlander because it’s often easier to use for planning than a generic Google search (especially since other travelers are constantly updating it). We like using the map feature to find camping facilities in the area we’re traveling to and love that we can filter out essential and non-essential information to only display what we’re interested in. 

HipCamp

HipCamp – HipCamp is one of the most comprehensive online platforms to find unique outdoor stays on privately owned property. Think of it as the “Airbnb of the camping world.”

How we use it:

We use HipCamp when we’re looking for something more private or unique. 

From staying on a private ranch to in the middle of an orchard or to something a bit more “normal” – you will find a mix of everything on HipCamp. We love the map view to find places that are near where we’re traveling. 

Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts – Harvest Hosts is a membership-based website that provides access to a proprietary network of nearly 5,000 “wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other unique attractions.” There is no charge for the site, just the annual membership (equivalent to roughly 2-4 nights in a campground). When visiting there is an expectation that you spend at least $20 with the host (buying wine, eggs, flowers, honey… whatever they produce). RVs and vans must be fully self-contained because there are generally no hookups or bathroom services. Moterra Campervans are the perfect fit for stays with Harvest Hosts. Visits are usually limited to 24 hours but the experience you get in return are often worth a lifetime. 

How we use it:

We use Harvest Hosts to fill in gaps between our longer-term stays on trips. We love that it can turn a travel day into a unique experience and create an opportunity to connect with true locals and the products they make. 

KOA

KOA/ RV parks – KOA stands for Kampgrounds Of America, and it’s your quintessential private campground brand with an enormous national network of campgrounds. 

How we use it:

We love being off the beaten path, but it would be a miss if we left this option off the camping guide. When we’re in between designations, staying at a KOA offers camping facilities far exceeding spending the night in a random parking lot. We appreciate that many of the ones we’ve visited have friendly staff, a place to walk the dog, for the kids to play, and clean bathroom facilities. 

Step 3: Get out there! Even if there are gaps in your agenda

There are few things more satisfying than securing your travel plans. But even if you’re in the days leading up to your trip and don’t have everything connected, remember that you also have dispersed/ free camping options. 

Use resources on sites like Dyrt to ensure you’re not on private property, and use your best judgment when assessing whether it’s a safe place to overnight or not. If all legal and safety boxes are checked, being off the beaten path is one of our favorite ways to experience a place we’ve never been to! 

We hope that no matter how you choose to adventure, it’s the best one you’ve ever had, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. 

Enjoy Your Trip!

Need some more information to help you plan? 

This campervan camping guide is just the tip of the ice berg. If you’re looking for more resources, check out our list of expertly curated Insider’s Guides that will help you get the most out of your trip. Select the ones you want, and we’ll email them right over. 

The post The Ultimate Campervan Camping Guide appeared first on Moterra Campervans.

Just need a packing list? Scroll down to the bottom of the blog!

 Day Hiking Essentials Gear Guide 

Footwear:

Choosing the right footwear is super important. Comfortable kicks often mean fewer blisters and more time outside doing what you want to do. You have three general options to choose from when it comes to footwear – hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runners. Choose what makes the most sense for your adventure. We personally love getting these fitted in a store with the help of a retail salesperson so that we can make sure they fit properly. 

• Hiking Boots: Heavier and more durable. For anyone who wants the most ankle support and stability. There are waterproof and more breathable options. 
• Hiking Shoes: More lightweight and flexible than boots, suitable for less demanding terrain or those carrying less weight.
• Trail Runners: Ultra lightweight, super grippy, for those who prioritize lightweight footwear. We don’t recommend this to anyone who is new to hiking.
• Socks: Choose moisture-wicking, cushioned socks made of wool or synthetic materials to prevent blisters. No cotton because they don’t dry quickly and encourage blisters. 

Clothing:

No Hiking Essentials Gear Guide is complete without an explanation of the layering system.

When it comes to clothing there are two golden rules – don’t wear cotton and use the layering system whose only purpose is to keep you as dry as possible at all times which ultimately keeps you comfortable and safe from the elements. Why? Because when cotton gets wet, it takes a long time to dry and doesn’t retain heat like other fabrics do. Using the layering system is an awesome way to keep your body temp under control because as you warm up, you can pull layers off, and as you get cold, you can put layers back on.

How To Use The  Layering System:

We like using a light base layer ( anything next to skin), a light insulating layer, a warmer “jacket”, and a shell (for rain protection). Whether you’re playing during summer or in winter, you can add thicker base layers and more insulation layers to help you regulate your body temperature more efficiently. As temps get colder, you add layers, as they get warmer you remove them. Combine layers for whatever keeps you the most comfortable. 

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Opt for lightweight, breathable shirts and pants that wick away sweat and keep you dry. This is your first layer – it can be a t-shirt, long johns, etc. 
• Hiking Pants/Shorts: Durable, quick-drying pants or shorts with multiple pockets for storing essentials. We like pants with stretch material for greater range of motion and comfort. 
• Insulating Layers: These are layers with built in insulation – it can be a light fleece jacket or it can be an insulated down or synthetic jacket. Its purpose is to keep you warm. You could have multiple of these – a light fleece and an insulated puffy for colder temps. The more layers you have, the more you can dial in your systems. 
• Waterproof Jacket: Invest in a high-quality, waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against rain and wind. This is your external layer/ armor to protect you from the elements – just like a crab that carries its shell around, this is a layer that keeps you safe and comfy. 

Backpacks:

Daypack: If you’re looking to have decision fatigue, walk into your local outdoors shop and look at the day pack selections. What we look for are packs that are 20- 30 liters (later is okay, just cumbersome if they’re too big) so that we have space for a water bladder, snacks, and a few layers. We also like daypacks with hip belts and a few zippers for organization. If you’re an ultra light kind of adventurer – you could consider using a running vest/ pack.   

Navigation:

One of our favorite ways is to use mapping apps that work with your phone’s GPS – but we NEVER solely rely on our electronic devices since batteries and phones do die unexpectedly (yikes). If you’re doing a trip into more remote regions you may need to get some education surrounding navigation with a map, GPS device and compass. 

Here are our favorite apps to use for navigation:

• All Trails: for easy planning and navigation phone
• Gaia : for backcountry expeditions

Hydration & Filtration 

• Water Bottles/Reservoir: We love using our hiking bladders but we usually carry an additional bottle in case your bladder springs a leak. We buy the biggest bladders we can because the weight penalty isn’t very big and we love having more water when needed. 
• Water Filter or Purification Tablets: We love bringing along a lightweight filter or purification system when we know we’ll be crossing bodies of water (or even if we don’t). This is such a great tool to keep you hydrated when everything is going right and especially when things are going wrong.  

Nutrition & Hydration Products:

No Hiking Essentials Gear Guide is complete without a mention of the stuff that you put in your body – which is just as important as what you put on it.

• Trail Snacks: Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or energy gels for quick energy boosts.
• Meals: For longer hikes, bring dehydrated or freeze-dried meals that require minimal preparation. On super long days of playing outside, we sometimes opt to use a small butane stove with us to boil water and to eat a proper meal. You pour boiling water right into the bag, stir, close, and wait 15 or so minutes. We won’t lie, some of these are so good you could probably eat them at home. And if that’s not your cup of tea, a packed lunch is still a good option. 
• Hydration powder, chews, or tablets: When you’re sweating all day, you lose valuable electrolytes that keep your body functioning at its peak. These products are AWESOME to bring on adventures and there are so many brands to choose from. We love the chews and the tablets (that go into water bottles) that replenish your electrolytes. 

Sun Protection:

We think it goes without saying that protecting yourself from the sun is super important. The essentials that we always keep on our packing lists are:

• Sunscreen: Use a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply regularly. We carry small sunscreen sticks in the pockets of our backpack so that we always have them handy. 
• Hat: We always bring some kind of hat on our adventures. Whether a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck from the sun or a baseball cap we like anything that we can easily throw in the wash. 
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that offer good coverage. We love polarized sunglasses and those with interchangeable lenses for versatility in variable lighting conditions. 
• Sunshirt: One of our favorite ways to protect from the sun is to cover up. A lightweight long sleeve shirt with a hoodie is one of the best tools in our kit to protect us from the sun. 

Safety and First Aid Essentials & Gear Guide

Bringing a first aid kit is no substitute for first aid training. Besides the essential gear below that we carry, taking a wilderness first aid course gives you tools to know what to do when things go wrong. Here are some basics that we bring with us on EVERY adventure. You can check out “survival” gear that often have most of the following in them. 

• First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Includes water purification tablets.
• Emergency Whistle: Have a whistle to signal for help in case of an emergency.
• Multi-tool/Knife: A versatile tool can be handy for various tasks on the trail.
• Emergency blanket: A small packable and lightweight blanket that could save your life if you need to stay warm. You can wrap this around you like a blanket, or use it near a fire to help reflect heat toward you. This is essential. 
• Lighter or waterproof matches: to start a fire for warmth, signals, cooking or water purification. 
• Tracking Device: Ideally this is a dedicated GPS tracker that you can use as a signal in case of emergency, but at the very least, we bring a fully charged phone with us. 

Lighting Essentials Gear Guide

• Headlamp/Flashlight: We like carrying a lightweight headlamp and extra batteries for all our adventures. We even keep a few spares in our personal vehicles. 

Miscellaneous:

• Trekking Poles: One of our favorite tools on the trail – helps you get up and down the mountain and increases stability, especially on challenging terrains or when carrying a heavy backpack.

Hiking Essentials Packing List:

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking shirts (long-sleeve and short-sleeve)
• Hiking pants/shorts
• Insulating layers (fleece jacket, down vest, etc.)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Underwear and socks (synthetic or wool)
• Hat for sun protection
• Gloves or mittens (depending on weather conditions)
• Bandana or buff

Footwear Essentials

• Hiking boots or shoes (broken in and appropriate for terrain)
• Hiking socks (moisture-wicking and blister-resistant)

Backpack Gear and Essentials

• Backpack suitable for the duration of your hike
• Plastic bags or waterproof liners (to protect gear from rain)
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Whistle (for emergencies)
• Multi-tool or knife
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Extra plastic bags (for waste disposal)
• Ziplock bags (for storing small items)

Food and Water Essentials

• Water bottles or hydration reservoir (2-3 liters capacity)
• Water filter or purification tablets
• Lightweight and high-energy snacks (trail mix, energy bars, jerky, etc.)
• Meals or meal replacement options (depending on trip duration)

Navigation and Safety Gear Essentials

• Digital or paper map of the area
• Compass or GPS device
• First aid kit (including band-aids, gauze, pain relievers, etc.)
• Insect repellent and/or bug net
• Emergency shelter or lightweight tarp
• Firestarter (matches, lighter, or firestarter kit)
• Bear spray (if hiking in bear country)

Personal Care

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
• Quick-dry towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper or tissue
• Personal medications and any necessary prescriptions
• Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm
• Sunglasses with UV protection
  

Optional Extras

• Camera and spare batteries
• Binoculars
• Field guide or nature identification book
• Trekking Poles
• Repair kit (duct tape, safety pins, sewing kit, etc.)
• Camp shoes or sandals (for relaxing at camp)

If you enjoyed this Hiking Essentials Gear Guide, check our more posts on our blog.

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