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Every summer growing up, my family would pack into our SUV and road trip from Michigan, racking up miles to visit state and national parks. Since moving out West, I've explored even more to my list — and the gear below has made every trip more enjoyable.
Planning to check a few national parks off your list this summer, or better yet, visit your first one? Now's the time to get ready — REI's Anniversary Sale kicks off today, Friday, May 16, and runs through Memorial Day weekend, but there are already deals to shop now. From jackets and tents to hiking gear and trail runners, the outdoor retailer's got everything you need to experience what's been called "America's best idea."
First things first, you have to be able to get into the parks. This pass lasts a year from purchase and gets you access to not only every single national park, but all of the federal recreation sites across the country. Or, if you're 62 or older, you can nab a Senior Lifetime Pass here.
Before you go
So you've bought your pass, you're all set, right? Not exactly. During the busy season, some parks require a timed entry permit as well as an entry pass. Dates and times vary, so make sure to check out the park's website before you go. Here is a list of those that require a reservation:
Acadia National Park
Arches National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Glacier National Park
Haleakala National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Yosemite National Park
Zion National Park
Forgot to get a permit and already have everything booked? You can always get in before or after the reservation time. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park has a permit requirement between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Get there before or after that window and you're fine.
Crowds are real
I recently took a trip to Moab, Utah, the gateway town to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Both my daughter and I are early risers, so we had no problem getting up, dressed and on the road right as the sun came up. No line at the entrance, parking was plentiful, the trails were empty, life was good. By 11 a.m. each day, we were leaving the park to head back to our hotel for nap time and the lines were incredible. We're talking over an hour just to get in and that was midweek in March, not exactly prime time.
Parking was even worse, with people waiting behind our car for us to leave. We went back around the time most people were leaving to go find dinner, and the lines were gone again. If you want to spend most of your day looking at a park's beautiful natural features and not the back of some other family's SUV, get there early or go for sunset. Those times are better for photos and seeing wildlife anyway.
Leave time for the unexpected
As a one-time video producer, I'm used to micro-planning a trip, hoping to squeeze every ounce of joy out of it. Ironically, when you do that, you're usually getting the opposite of what you intended. Kids don't follow schedules. Neither does wildlife. While it is great to have a rough plan, don't expect to follow it exactly. Leave time for unexpected encounters like a herd of bison on the road in Yellowstone or stopping to watch a moose and her calf eat in Glacier. The first time I visited the Grand Canyon, I just stood there for 15 minutes, moved to tears.
Clothing
There are a lot of ways to experience a national park. When I visited Glacier, I camped and hiked the entire time. My first park, though, was Mammoth Cave in Kentucky — I was 7, my sister was 5, and we stayed in a hotel, eating at restaurants. No camping involved. The only constant? I always wanted to be comfortable in my clothing. Of course, what you pack depends on where and when you're going. It snowed during my August trip to Yellowstone. Acadia in July? It hit 90 degrees. But no matter the destination, here are a few basics to bring for a summer visit.
If you're looking for the Patagonia jacket to roll up and throw in your backpack when there's a chance of showers, this is the one — and at this price, it's tough to beat. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so finding the right one should be a piece of cake.
The first time I threw on a Nano Puff jacket, I thought to myself, "How the heck is this thing going to keep me warm?" It's way less puffy than down-insulated coats, but it managed to do the trick in the middle of the desert in the wintertime as temps dipped below freezing, all without making me look like the Michelin Man.
As someone with Scandinavian and Irish ancestry, I've been betrayed by the sun more times than I can count. I also hate putting on sunscreen. I find it greasy and annoying, and I always forget to use it until it's too late. That's where a lightweight, sun-blocking shirt like this one can literally be a lifesaver, keeping the UV rays away all day long.
If you're like me and love the sun, but it does not love you, this lightweight hooded top might also be your go-to for hikes and hanging out at the beach. It comes in a great light-reflecting white, which will keep you cool as well.
My wife and I are always on the lookout for the ideal pair of comfortable hiking pants, and in her case, I think she has found her holy grail in these. They're light, breathable and have a drawstring for easy adjusting.
I live in Colorado, a state known for its trails and outdoorsy residents. When it comes to hiking boots, I see these Merrells on the trails more often than I see any other. The Moab is iconic, and for good reason: comfort and durability. If your walks tend to take you off the beaten path, these boots are for you. They're even Yahoo's pick for the best hiking boots of 2025.
Planning on going off the paved paths and hitting the trails? Good, that's where all the best views are. If you want more traction than your day-to-day runners offer but don't want to deal with the weight of hiking boots, trail-running shoes like these are a great middle ground. They'll keep you moving light, fast and comfortably.
Camping and Hiking
Hiking is my favorite thing to do in a national park, though rafting, fishing and climbing are all great too. There's just so much you can do in the parks! Whether you plan on hiking the backcountry or you're just sticking to the popular paved paths, a daypack is an essential when it comes to keeping water, food, first aid and your camera with you at all times.
When it comes to camping, just about any tent will do, but I always make sure to bring along a quality sleeping pad and a sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures than are in the forecast. I'd rather be warm and have to unzip my bag than be shivering myself to sleep at night.
The Tempest 9 is what happens when you trade your tote for something that actually pulls its weight. Small and lightweight, it's perfect for short hikes, bike rides or tossing in your luggage to use as a daypack for vacation. Bonus points for hip-belt pockets that fit snacks, your keys and chapstick.
I hate carrying more than I have to, and at 22 liters, this backpack is an ideal go bag for springtime hiking. It's large enough to carry snacks and drinks for myself, my wife and my 2-year-old, and I can still throw in my jacket and camera.
I bring trekking poles along with me on almost every hike I do. They're great for keeping balanced on uneven or loose terrain and can give your legs a bit of a break when hiking uphill.
This is my personal choice for tent camping most of the time. It's spacious enough for my family of three and I like the vestibule as a place to store gear that isn't inside the tent itself. It's easy to set up with two people.
Got camping plans for the entire family? While a tent might say it fits four people, remember that is a limit, not what will be comfortable. You'll be better off going big, like this six-person tent that not only has enough room to stand up in, but room for your gear in the included vestibule should foul weather join you on your trip. The 8-person version is also on sale.
If you're planning on doing some backpacking and weight is important, this lightweight tent from The North Face will save your back. I've used the previous version of this tent for years and while it is comfortable, lightweight and can fit two people, just know that it is snug when you have all of your gear in there.
I've used all styles of sleeping bags out there, and when it comes to comfort, there's nothing better than a double sleeping bag, whether you're sharing it with someone or not. It's the tent camping equivalent of a luxurious king bed and I am here for it.
If you're looking for the best down mummy bag for your money, you'll be hard-pressed to find one better than the Magma 15. Like its name suggests, it'll keep you warm. I fit square in the middle of the size chart for Medium and though it is snug, it's not restricting. I really like the anti-snag zipper as well.
A good sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold. It'll not only help you get better sleep, but it can keep you from getting cold at night by separating you from the ground. This one packs down to almost nothing so it's easy to carry in your pack.
Want to go camping but don't feel like roughing it? This rooftop tent is a great option. It keeps you off the ground (where all the critters are) and has a memory foam mattress that'll make you think you woke up in a hotel room. The only downside? If you plan on driving anywhere you have to pack it up.
Having carried my fair share of 60-plus-quart coolers uphill to a campsite, I beg of you: Do yourself a favor and get one with wheels. Trust me, it'll be worth the extra cash, especially considering this one is 95 bucks off.
This one was road-tested by Yahoo Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza, and she had this to say: "I'm crazy about this cooler. It's big enough to store everything we need for a campout or tailgate but small enough to fit in the trunk of our Prius. I can attest that everything will stay cool (from cans to hot dogs and anything else) for up to 48 hours."
The cooler that started it all. The Tundra will keep your food and drinks cold for days, even in blistering 90°F heat (I've tested it). It's incredibly durable too. I once checked mine on a flight, and when I got to baggage claim, it came tumbling down the carousel onto the hard tile floor — didn't even get a scratch.
Safety and other gear
When it comes to hiking and spending time outdoors, it is important to be responsible for your own safety. You never know when you might find yourself alone, miles from your car or tent, and in need of some help.
That's why it's important to bring along what is called the 10 essentials, which are basically an outdoor emergency kit.
Now, if you're just running from the parking lot 50 feet down the trail to check out the Grand Canyon, some of this may seem a bit overkill. But if you're spending any kind of time away from your car or shelter, it can't hurt to have them all along. Heck, if you're in your car, you can keep a kit in the trunk and always be at the ready.
Worried about running out of clean drinking water? This water bottle has a built-in filter, so if you have access to a river, lake, stream or creek, you can drink it without worrying about getting sick.
I was camping in Glacier National Park when one night I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I came out, the sky had darkened to the point where I couldn't quite make out where my tent was. Walking toward my campsite, I cracked my head on a low tree branch. Since then, I have brought along a headlamp every single time I go camping.
If you're headed into grizzly-bear country, it is important to bring bear spray along with you. While the odds are slim that you'll find yourself face to face, they're not zero, so deterrent like this is good to have by your side. Remember to keep it at the ready. A bear isn't going to wait for you to unpack your backpack before it charges. You also cannot fly with this item, so keep that in mind when traveling.
A good first-aid kit is a great thing to have in your car, your camper, your backpack, wherever you're going. No one ever plans on getting hurt. This one is good for two people for a one-day hike, but there are plenty more available for longer trips with more people. Buy one that'll fit your needs.
These Osprey backpacks are 25% off at REI's Outlet Sale. (Getty)
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