Packing for Adventure

I made this list as THOROUGH and helpful as I could, and there are links to recipes and more indepth guides throughout.

Trailer vs Tent Camping Packing List

If You Are Staying in a Trailer or RV

Sleeping & Comfort

• Bedding or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Extra blankets (mountain nights get cold)
• Camp chairs
• Outdoor rug or mat

Kitchen

• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Trash bags
• Aluminum foil
• Ziplock bags
• Reusable water bottles

Personal Items

• Toiletries
• Towels
• Shower shoes
• Laundry bag
• Flip flops

Nice-to-Have

• Extension cord
• Power strip
• Leveling blocks
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen

If You Are Tent Camping

Shelter

• Tent
• Tent stakes
• Ground tarp or footprint
• Rain fly
• Mallet

Sleeping

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads or air mattress
• Pump (battery or manual)
• Pillows
• Extra blankets

Cooking

• Camp stove
• Fuel
• Lighter or matches
• Cooking pot
• Frying pan
• Cooking utensils
• Plates / bowls / cups
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Cooler

Camp Setup

• Camp chairs
• Lantern
• Headlamps
• Tablecloth
• Dish bin
• Drying towel

Safety

• First aid kit
• Bear spray (where allowed)
• Headlamp
• Extra batteries

Food Planning for the Whole Trip

• Breakfast: DIY
• Lunch: DIY / picnic
• Dinner:
  • Eat out 6 nights
  • Cook 7–8 nights
    • Rotate meals:
      • Cheddarwursts
      • Mac & cheese
      • Nachos

Breakfast Foods to Pack

Easy, fast, minimal cleanup.

• Bagels and cream cheese
• Poptarts
• Granola bars
• Bananas

Lunch Foods for Picnics Inside National Parks

Cooler Items

• Sandwich meat
• Cheese slices
• Lettuce
• Tomato (make sure you have a knife for slicing)
• Mayo / mustard
• Baby carrots
• Grapes
• String cheese
• Sodas/waters/Gatorade

Pantry Items

• Bread
• Chips
• Trail mix
• Peanut butter and jelly

Dinner Foods to Pack (7–8 Nights)

Cheddarwurst Nights

• Cheddarwursts
• Hot dog buns
• Condiments
• Chips

Mac & Cheese Nights

• Pre-made and pre-prepped gourmet Mac & Cheese to be tossed in the fire

Nacho Nights

• Can opener
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese
• Steak
• Olives
• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

S’mores

• Graham Crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate

Pantry Staples That Make Life Easier

• Salt
• Pepper
• Cooking oil
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Trash bags

What to Pack for the Half Dome Hike

Backpack (Hydration Pack)

Water

• 3 liters per person

Food

• Trail mix
• Protein bars
• Sandwich
• Gatorade

Gear

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Gloves for cables
• Compostable toilet tissue
• Hand sanitizer
• Phone or map
• Permit
• Photo ID
• Portable phone charging bank
• Headphones

Safety

• First aid kit
• Water filtration system
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Lightweight jacket
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Climbing harness (optional)

What to WEAR on Half Dome Day

• Lightweight moisture-wicking shirt
• Hiking pants
• Good hiking shoes
• Wool hiking socks
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Morning in Yosemite can be 40–50°F

Afternoon can be 80°F

Have layers available.

What to Have Waiting in the Car Between Hikes

Recovery Kit

• Cooler with COLD drinks and Gatorade
• Snacks
• Protein bars

Comfort Items

• Clean shirt
• Clean socks
• Sandals or flip flops
• Baby wipes
• Towel

Emergency Supplies

• Extra water
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Phone charger

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