What Hiking Gear is Needed for Glacier National Park?

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Hello,

It will be my first time to visit Glacier National PArk and Montana in general. My wife and I have scheduled a 11 day vacation to Montana, six of the eleven days will be spent in the park.

We do not have much experience in the type of terrain that we will encounter while hiking in Glacier National Park.

What type hiking gear do you recommend?

We will be staying at the Many Glacier Hotel for one night, and the Swift Current Mortor Inn for the remainder of the time. I have read a good bit about certain day hikes and the one we really are interested in more than most is the Grinnell Glacier overlook.

Answer

Hi Bart,

Congrats on making it to Glacier National Park! It is an accomplishment in and of itself to travel out to the far northwest corner of Montana.

I have already written a detailed page on Hiking Gear needed for Glacier National Park, so please be sure to check it out.

Also, there’s a hiking checklist that will be very useful for you to refer to.

In a quick recap, I’d recommend the following gear for Glacier National Park’s hiking trails:

• Hiking Boots

• Hiking Poles

• Smartwool Socks

• A first aid kit

• A large platypus/water container

• Daypack

• Rain jacket

• Extra socks

• Warm hat and/or a brimmed hat

• Bear spray

• Extra sunscreen

The thing you need to know is that Glacier National Park’s weather is entirely unpredictable. One minute it can be 90 and sunny and the next 60 and raining.

If you’re prepared for a drastic weather change, then you should be set.

I also strongly recommend antishock trekking poles, as this will save your knees, help you keep your balance while hiking, and are fantastic for any snow crossings you may encounter.

Grinnell Glacier overlook is a great trail. It branches off from the Highline Trail.

I’d also strongly recommend Iceberg Lake and Avalanche Lake.

If you have any questions or definitely want to make the most of your trip out in Glacier, be sure to consider a personalized itinerary written by yours truly.

Have a great trip, Bart! And be sure to return and tell us what your favorite Glacier hike is!

by: Kris

A great short easy hike is the Hidden Lake Trail at Logan Pass. That’s where you will see mountain goats and big horn sheep. The views at the Hidden Lake overlook are spectacular. Enjoy your visit. You will want to go back again.

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