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.

[dnickels]

As mentioned, shorts will be fine most days with a sweatshirt in the mornings or evening. You might add a pair of windbreaker pants for that but again, sweatshirts or a light jacket should be plenty to keep you warm. Yes of course it might snow and be 50 during the day, but you're better to plan for the average and check the forecast a few days before you leave than to pack everything possible to cover the August snowstorm that might only happen one random weekend every 5 years.

As for footwear, you don't need hiking shoes if you're just doing short easy trails. You'll see people wearing flip-flops or sneakers on a several mile hike and you'll see the folks who look like they walked into an REI and bought one of everything on the shelf even though they don't make it on any trail more than a 1/4 mile in length. Just wear what you'd be comfortable walking in.

[coloradowendyl]

Quick things to bring as you will be at a much higher altitude!!!! You will be going from over 5,000 ft upwards to 8-9,000 ft above sea level.

tums...believe it or not, tums and a bottle of water is the fastest cure for altitude sickness

sunscreen and sunglasses...our sun is much stronger than the sun at sea level and you can burn even in the winter

really good moisturizer...with 10-15% humidity, your skin dries out quickly and good lip balm

good sized water bottles....you need to drink a ton of water due to altitude (and if you drink alcohol, 1 beer is the equiv. of 2 at sea level)

For clothes, you want to do layers...days are hot and nights get cold. Fleece jackets are good and you will want shorts. August days can be really hot. Gloves, good socks are a good idea.

Wendy

[NJGIRL]

Thanks everyone. I am worried about the altitude. I just found out I might have some form of asthma.

I am also wondering how you do without air conditioning during the day if it gets hot.

[MNNHFLTX]

Thanks everyone. I am worried about the altitude. I just found out I might have some form of asthma.

Rita, I have mild asthma (typically induced by cigarette smoke and sometimes exercise) and it definitely affects my hiking habits. I remember my first day of hiking in Banff, I felt like I was going to die on some of those trails! I plan to take it easy the first couple of days in Yellowstone, drink plenty of water and use my inhaler as needed (Xopenex). I think you just have to give yourself extra time to get used to the altitude.

[NJGIRL]

Thanks Beth, that makes me feel better.

Actually they are calling mine reactive airway disorder?????? They think???? Have been trying to figure this our for the last five weeks, it came out of no where.

[c&d]

I am also wondering how you do without air conditioning during the day if it gets hot.

It's a dry heat, it's not humid so it feels much better. When you step into the shade it's much cooler.

[NJGIRL]

It's a dry heat, it's not humid so it feels much better. When you step into the shade it's much cooler.

That's good new! I was worried about this too.

[Altair]

Don't forget bug spray, the mosquitos can be terrible in some areas.

[MNNHFLTX]

Rita, did you hear that they are doing some refurbishment on the Old Faithful Inn? Not on the rooms, but the lobby, fireplace and dining room (although they will still be serving meals). People mention scaffolding, plastic and tarps. Just wanted to make sure you knew, since you are staying there.

[Katzateer]

Don't forget bug spray, the mosquitos can be terrible in some areas.

I was going to suggest that also! I used to do a lot of backpacking and the suggestions for layers is what I would say. Make sure all the layers are light so if you have to carry some in a day pack. If you don't want the hiking boots, make sure whatever you are planning to walk in are well broken in. Bring first aid supplies for blisters and bug bites and extra socks to keep your feet dry.

Sounds like fun - have a great time!

[NJGIRL]

Rita, did you hear that they are doing some refurbishment on the Old Faithful Inn? Not on the rooms, but the lobby, fireplace and dining room (although they will still be serving meals). People mention scaffolding, plastic and tarps. Just wanted to make sure you knew, since you are staying there.

Well that stinks. I know refurbs have to be done but this place is closed after Nov and doesn't open back up until Apr (I think) so that is when they should be doing that kind of stuff. We are paying $$$$ per night to stay here so that is disappionting. If they were opened year round I could understand it, but they are not.

Also Beth, went to Dick's yesterday to see what kind of hiking sneaker they had. I didn't want boots or anything too heavy and hot. I ended up with Merrells that look like sneakers but a little more heavy duty. They are also waterproof with gortex. I also bought socks without cotton that are supposed to keep your feet dry. I have never paid so much for socks before.

I also bought collasable water bottles.

Thanks for the tip on the bug spray everyone. I have never used it before because I don't like chemicals on my skin. What is a good one to buy???? When I was looking around I saw that OFF has a little fan type thing that you can clip on yourself so you don't have to spray anything on your skin. Has anyone ever used them? Do they work?

[MNNHFLTX]

Well that stinks. I know refurbs have to be done but this place is closed after Nov and doesn't open back up until Apr (I think) so that is when they should be doing that kind of stuff. We are paying $$$$ per night to stay here so that is disappionting. If they were opened year round I could understand it, but they are not.

I can totally understand your disappointment--you were going for the total package and this impacts that. I'm sure what complicates their construction schedule is that there is only one road open into the park during the winter, so they have limited access in the off-season. I know I am a bit wary of our stay at Lake Hotel because of recent reviews at Tripadvisor. It sounds like it is sorely in need of refurbishment and it's not even scheduled until next summer. I know we will only be there one night, but I'm still on the lookout for a room in Canyon instead, should one become available.

Also Beth, went to Dick's yesterday to see what kind of hiking sneaker they had. I didn't want boots or anything too heavy and hot. I ended up with Merrells that look like sneakers but a little more heavy duty. They are also waterproof with gortex. I also bought socks without cotton that are supposed to keep your feet dry. I have never paid so much for socks before.

Those hiking shoes sound a lot like mine. I don't care for heavy hiking boots either and the waterproof feature will undoubtedly come in handy.

[Altair]

Thanks for the tip on the bug spray everyone. I have never used it before because I don't like chemicals on my skin. What is a good one to buy???? When I was looking around I saw that OFF has a little fan type thing that you can clip on yourself so you don't have to spray anything on your skin. Has anyone ever used them? Do they work?

You want something with a high percentage of DEET.
Just to give you an idea of the mosquito population, this was take in West Yellowstone in late June 2011. There are over 50 of them in this photo.http://www.flickr.com/photos/9769576...in/photostream

[MNNHFLTX]

You want something with a high percentage of DEET.
Just to give you an idea of the mosquito population, this was take in West Yellowstone in late June 2011. There are over 50 of them in this photo.http://www.flickr.com/photos/9769576...in/photostream

Poor wolf! Assuming that was taken at the Bear and Wolf Center in West Yellowstone?