"I will be in Glacier the last week of July. What will the weather be like?"
The truth is, no one can tell you what the weather will be during your visit. What people are really asking for is advice on what gear they need to have.
I used to bring everything i thought I might need. It took me a few years to figure out I consider to be essential gear for GNP day-hikes. This is my list. I am ready for just about any weather and temperature conditions, morning, day, night, and week of the season.
I have needed every bit of my gear in any given week and month, between June and October.
Sunglasses - worth investing in good ones. Sun Cloud polarized sunglasses are great for under $55.
Gloves - liners or other lightweight gloves offer enough warmth.
Hat - beanie or something that covers my ears when it is windy up on the pass
Ball cap - to block sun on trails with prolonged sun exposure
Silk top and silk leggings or regular cotton leggings - thin base layer for warmth. Wear under rain pants.
Midcalf Gaiters - keep calves & boots dry. Protect legs when hiking through high growth brush.
Rain pants - Gortex, water repellant, for protection and warmth in rain, wind, and low temperatures. Layer over shorts or leggings. Mine are a brand of golf pants.
Rain jacket with hood - Gortex, water repellant, for protection and warmth in rain, wind, and low temperatures. Layer over vest, shirt, and base layer if needed. Mine is Northface.
Backpack rain cover - keep your pack dry. Mine is a Mountain Hardware.
Poncho - I keep one in my backpack at all times. On days when I do not think rain gear is needed, it is nice to have something just in case. I've been in a few pop up rain storms when this been a lifesaver!
Bandanas - too many great uses to list! Just trust me on this one.
Vest - light weight vest, easy to layer. Mine is a LL Bean Primaloft Packaway.
Hiking pants - for warmth and wind protection. Kuhl fits me well and they last forever.
Long sleeve pullover or button down - lightweight nylon for warmth and layers. Easy to pack away.
Hiking shorts and shirts - whatever is comfortable, breathable on hot days. Quick fry fabric is nice.
Wool hiking socks and liners - good socks and liners, especially for longer hikes.
Finally, hiking poles - Always bring a set of hiking poles or make sure someone in your group has a set. I consider them to be an essential part of my first-aid kit. I don't always need them to hike. They become crutches when you twist an ankle and still have miles to hike back to your trailhead. Something I have done four times!
Everything I have is "packable" in my Osprey daypack. Most of what I have is going on 10+ years old! Nothing is top of the line. But the quality is solid and I looked for good sales in the off season. I am pretty frugal :)
If you are hiking in Glacier for a few days, you many not want to spend a lot of money on gear. Borrow what you can.
Comments