Speaking of Yellowstone...I need Packing Tips

[NJGIRL]

We are going in August and taking alot of tours. We are not big hikers and I believe most of the trails I looked into are less than two miles around trip.

I know that the mornings and nights can get cold. We are taking an evening raft trip and an evening wildlife tour...so what are we talking sweat shirts or coats?

Also during the day should we be wearing shorts or long pants.

And my biggest question.....foot wear. We do not own hiking boots and I would prefer not only not to have to spend money to buy them, but also don't want to have to pack them since they are so heavy. So my question to anyone that has gone is can we buy a walking or hiking type of sneaker that will be OK for those short/ easy trails? Do you think we will be OK with something like that? My other question is does anyone have any suggestions on a brand?

[TheDuckRocks]

Our first trip to Yellowstone was in August and we traveled there from Southern California by car. I packed for regular So Cal August weather and by the time we reached Provo we had to stop at Penney's and buy warmer clothing. Glad we did as by the time we reached Yellowstone it had really gotten very cold and we had to buy mittens/gloves, knit hats and scarfs at resort prices.
One of the rangers told us they have July and winter! Also they have a celebration of Christmas on about the 14th of August as it has been known to snow that early.
On the next trip we took we went in July.
That was many years ago so weather patterns may have changed.

[NJGIRL]

Interesting. From everything I read and what the Xanterra people have told me days are around 80 and nights can and will get down to 40.

Has anyone else had a really cold August during the day?

[c&d]

We were there in August and the days were beautiful, 70's to low 80's; nights down in the upper 40's low 50's. That being said, we were driving over Dunraven's pass around 4:00 in the afternoon and it was snowing. We did have to scrape the snow off the car several times early in the morning. So pack sweatshirts and long pants, during the day I found myself comfortable in shorts and a fleece in the mornings. By afternoon the fleece was in the backpack. Yes, a backpack for each person with all you'll be carrying.

I would recommend hiking boots. I know they are expensive but they are so worth it. You may find you want to go a longer hike and you'll definitely need them then. Even on short hikes we found them to be helpful. It was really good foot support. Besides you may fall in love with Yellowstone and find yourself back there. I got mine from LL Bean in 2008 and I still have them. I don't use them often, but when I need them it's nice to know they are there.

[Altair]

In August you will be in shorts most of the time. Take a pair of pants, sweatshirt and jacket just in case, mornings can still get fairly cool. Most athletic type shoes will be fine, but if you can find a sturdier type with more tread, that would be better. No need to spend a foutune on them.

[MNNHFLTX]

Rita, I am packing with layers of clothing in mind--and yes, I am bringing gloves along in case some of the nights get really chilly. As far as hiking, if you are just doing the short trails or boardwalks, I think you can get by with athletic shoes as long as they have a good tread, like Altair said. My husband and I do both use hiking shoes--well, ankle-high boots in his case, I prefer the mid-rise. We both have Merrells, but we just bought our son a new pair of hiking boots made by Columbia and he really likes them.