National Parks Attendance Is Higher Than Ever—Here's What to Pack for Your Next Visit

Travel + Leisure

17-07-2025

If you plan on visiting one of America's national parks this year, you're not alone. According to the National Park Service, 2025 is on track to set new record highs for park attendance, with Yellowstone National Park seeing over 560,000 park guests this past May alone. As someone who has explored more than 50 national park sites, from the sun-baked chasms of Grand Canyon National Park to the misty peaks of Olympic National Park, I've learned which items are true non-negotiable essentials for casual visits.
For treks through the sticky heat of the Everglades, the wind-blasted ridges of Badlands, and the alpine expanses of Denali, the right gear makes all the difference. And the good news is, you don't have to blow your budget on expensive gadgets to stay cool, comfortable, and safe at the parks. Keep scrolling to see my 15 must-have essentials for visiting nearly any site in the epic National Park Service network, including foldable hiking packs, blister-preventing wool socks, and waterproof first aid kits, starting at $10.
A quality daypack that can hold everything is a must, and I love this ultra-light Eddie Bauer Stowaway backpack for the job. This packable backpack unfolds from its own pocket in seconds, so you can easily stow it in a larger heavy-duty pack for daily use on longer adventures, too. Weighing in at just 0.6 lb, this pack has a ripstop polyester build that avoids snags and protects your gear without weighing you down. Extended shoulder straps and a hip belt add surprising comfort for longer hikes, and the StormRepel water-resistant finish holds up to showers so your gear stays dry. With a roomy 20-liter capacity for layers and snacks, it's my standby for easy days at any national park site.
These rugged low-top Nortiv 8 hiking shoes pair a synthetic leather upper with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry on wet trails. A breathable mesh lining helps reduce sweat during warm hikes, while a rubber toe cap and reinforced heel add protection and stability on uneven ground. The lightweight design doesn't sacrifice durability, and the flexible, removable insole keeps my feet comfortable even on longer walks. Finished with a non-slip outsole for solid traction across dirt paths or rocky overlooks, they're a practical choice for exploring national park sites between serious journeys that require clunkier boots.
These polarized sunglasses cut harsh glare while enhancing vibrant, crisp colors, so the park views look as good in real life as they do on postcards. The UV400 lenses block every ray the sun throws at you, while lightweight TR90 frames and flexible hinges mean no pinching or slipping, even on sweaty uphill treks. I drop my pair constantly, and if the scratch-resistant lenses can survive my carelessness, they can definitely handle yours. And at the low price point of $34, you can afford not to be worried about your shades, anyway.
This lightweight long-sleeve top packs UPF 50 sun protection ala Columbia's Omni-Shade fabric, so your skin is covered even on trails that offer zero shade. Omni-Wick technology pulls sweat off your skin fast, keeping you dry from hot climbs to sunny boardwalks. The breathable blend doesn't cling, and the classic fit layers easily over tees or under jackets when temps drop. Reinforced stitching means it's tough enough for repeated park visits, making it an easy pick when you want sun protection and comfort without extra bulk. And while it may be designed for fishing, reviewers agree that it's great for hiking, too.
Staying hydrated while exploring the parks is easy with this insulated Owala FreeSip bottle that keeps water icy cold, even on exposed ridgelines. The FreeSip spout makes it simple to switch from quick sips to big gulps (I've never had to slow down my pace to drink from it). A locking lid prevents leaks in your pack, and the carry loop is perfect for hauling it between lookouts. The wide mouth handles ice without fuss, and cleaning is painless thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid, making this a reliable companion for any trail adventure.
Keeping your feet happy on the trail is easy with these wool-blend hiking socks that breathe well and stay comfortable mile after mile. Light cushioning softens every step without adding bulk, so I never worry about blisters, even on rocky switchbacks. The crew height shields ankles from boot rub, while the snug fit prevents slipping or bunching. They wick moisture fast to keep feet dry, and durable knit zones last up to seasons of use despite their affordable cost. One reviewer calls them 'the best wool blend socks around,' adding that they're the only socks they wear now, no matter the weather or time of year.
Even in the summer, mornings and evenings in the desert or mountains can be quite chilly—or sometimes, downright cold. Staying warm on the trails without sacrificing too much space is easy with a packable puffer on hand. The ultra-light insulation of this Outdoor Ventures puffer creates a cozy layer that keeps out the chill on cold trailheads. When you're done wearing it, simply fold it neatly back into its own pocket for out-of-the-way stashing. Stylish enough for town but substantial enough for basecamp, this jacket is my go-to layer for outdoor fun.
Shielding your face and neck from the sun is easy with this waterproof, baseball‑style sun cap that's built for all-day comfort. As the brim shades your eyes, the extended flap protects your neck from UV rays; come sunset, it can be comfortably folded up into the cap. One reviewer says it's even lighter than a traditional baseball cap, and the breathability eliminates that head-sauna feeling even in heat. Roomy enough for wider heads, the adjustable strap keeps it comfy no matter your size and secure no matter the wind level. The quick-dry fabric handles morning dew or light rain with no fuss, too.
A scraped knee or hot-spot blister won't ruin your day if you've got a proper first-aid kit on deck. I usually bring this Hart Outdoor First Aid Kit with me while visiting national parks, but this similar option by Rhino Rescue has many of the same supplies inside. This featherweight kit tucks 114 essentials into a slim, clippable pouch. The Moleskine patches can help prevent blisters before they start, and the waterproof exterior prevents gauze, bandages, and cotton swabs from getting soaked on rainy days. With burn gel, a disposable tourniquet, and an emergency blanket ready to go, it's surprisingly thorough, and the sturdy zip case slips unnoticed onto or into any pack.
Even if you plan on making it back to your car or campsite before sundown, it's important to keep a light source on hand. Continuing onward in low light is easy with this twin-pack of Energizer headlamps, on sale for 47 percent off. These headlamps pack 260 lumens into a compact water-resistant shell, illuminating the trail ahead of you. The dimming dial and three beam modes—wide, spot, and red—let you dial in the perfect amount of light, while the 35-hour battery life will keep you going long into the night.
Every second counts in an emergency, and this piercing 120-decibel whistle can help ensure your call for help won't go unheard. Three sound chambers produce a powerful, attention-grabbing whistle that blasts in multiple directions and can reach rescuers even over heavy wind or rushing water. Available in multiple vibrant colors, this small, waterproof whistle visually stands out while clipped to your hiking bag or keys, keeping you safe and prepared for every hike, paddle, or alpine scramble.
Juice up your phone with an extra charge or two on the trail thanks to this rugged, compact power bank that delivers 9600 mAh of power. It's rated IP67 for full dust and waterproof protection and comes with a built-in, 50‑lumen flashlight. Weighing in at just over 10 ounces and compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, this nifty power bank has three ports that allow you to top off multiple devices at once.
For unexpected rain, camp showers, or dips in the lake, this Rainleaf towel gets you dry again quickly. At 48 inches long, it's big enough for head-to-toe drying, but is made with a microfiber material that rolls up into a small, packable pouch. It soaks up nearly five times its weight and dries out quickly, so you won't have any smelly, moldy fabrics hanging out in your bag. I love how the suede-like material feels on my skin, and it doubles just as well as a beach towel or small picnic blanket, too.
Keeping your hands warm without adding bulk is easy with these slim, stretchy New Balance gloves. Lined with soft fleece, these gloves have a silicone grip pattern that helps you to hold your gear and gadgets securely, and touchscreen-ready thumbs and index fingers let you check park maps or snap photos without exposing skin. Easily stuffed in your pocket once the sun climbs, these gloves combine warmth, dexterity, and packability for crisp mornings spent exploring the parks.
This mini multitool keeps me ready for the small surprises a park day can throw my way. The butterfly-open design gives quick access to tweezers for bee stings or wooden splinters, and sharp scissors for clipping trail tape or loose threads—all while staying impressively lightweight. Compact and durable, it's a simple way to stay prepared for resolving small snags and enhance your first-aid gear without adding bulk to your bag.
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