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1. Binoculars. Many of the parks are a bird (and animal)-watcher’s dream. A pair of binos will help you spot feathered friends as well as larger creatures. Binoculars are sold according to power, or how much the objects you’re viewing are magnified (i.e., 7x, 10x, 12x, etc.) and the diameter of objective lens, which is the one on the fat end of the binoculars (the bigger the objective lens, the more light that gets in and the sharper your image should be). 10x is a good choice for magnification, field of view, and steadiness. If the magnification is higher, the field of view is smaller, and your hand movements will prevent you from seeing well, unless you use a tripod.

2. Clothes that layer. In the West, days can often be warm while nights turn chilly. The weather also can change quickly during the day, with things going from warm and sunny to windy and wet in a matter of minutes. This means you need to pack with both warm and cold (as well as wet and dry) weather in mind. The easiest is to dress in layers. Experts suggest synthetics such as polyester (used in Coolmax and other “wicking” fabrics that draw moisture away from your skin, and fleece, which is an insulator) and lightweight merino wool. Look for socks in wicking wool or polyester. Don’t forget a waterproof poncho or jacket.

3. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts. It’s wise to minimize exposed skin when hiking, especially in higher altitudes and areas with poison ivy and/or ticks.

4. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots. If you plan to do a lot of backcountry hiking, then also consider ankle support, which helps for unpaved trails. Be sure to break in your boots before the trip.

5. Insect repellent. If you’re hiking or camping in an area with lots of mosquitoes, a good bug spray can help keep your trip from being a swatting marathon. A repellent also helps deter ticks. Most experts recommend repellents with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toulamide); the higher the level of DEET, the longer the product will be effective. Just be sure to use a separate sunscreen, not a single product with both ingredients (this is because you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen every few hours, but doing so with DEET could deliver a dangerous dose of the chemical).

6. Skin moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. In the parks you’re likely to be outside for longer than you’re used to at home and in higher altitudes and drier climates—all of which can leave your skin and lips parched, making you more vulnerable to sun- and windburn. Sunscreen should provide both UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of at least 15; look for a lotion marked “sweatproof” or “sport.”

7. Sunglasses and hat. Higher elevation means more ultraviolet radiation. Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.

8. Journal and Camera. When your jaw drops at the glorious vistas, and your head clears from all the fresh air, taking a picture may be your first instinct, but you also may find some thoughts of inspiration longing to be penned. Consider a journal that is weatherproof (sporting-goods stores often sell them). Journal entries may even help you later when it comes time to identify and write captions for your photographs.

9. Snacks and water. National parks by their nature are remote, and some are very lacking in services. Bring plenty of healthy snacks with you, as well as water. When hiking in hot weather, experts recommend ½ to 1 quart of water (or another fluid) per person, per hour, to prevent potentially dangerous dehydration. High elevation can increase your chances of dehydration, as well. Even if you’re not hiking, have some food in the car for long drives through the park, where facilities might be scarce.

10. First-Aid Kit. A solid kit should contain a first-aid manual, aspirin (or ibuprofen), razor blades, tweezers, a needle, scissors, adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, sterile gauze pads, one-inch wide adhesive tape, an elastic bandage, antibacterial ointment, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, calamine lotion, and moleskin for blisters.

HIKING