Glacier National Park - packing list
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Anonymous
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We are visiting Glacier National Park this summer for a week and then spending a few days in Big Sky.
We have 3 kids - 4, 6, 8. Do they need hiking boots that go above the ankles? Or would trail shoes be fine? We plan to do mostly hiking on the trip - realizing that we are restricted by the kids. Is their anything else that we "must" bring? Any other tips on the trip would be great. We plan to visit the Walmart in Kalispell to pick up anything we can't pack. |
Anonymous
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We haven't been specifically to Glacier but have been on a number of family hiking vacations (RMNP, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Smokies, Dolomites in Italy.)...I would say it depends on the hikes and the shoe wearer.
My kid (11) and my wife are very much more comfortable wearing trail shoes on any hike. They hate hate hate the feel of heavy boots. Me, I need the extra cushioning of the clunky hiking boots on rockier surfaces, but do fine with trail shoes on more gravelly surfaces. How rocky are the surfaces of the hikes you expect to do? |
Anonymous
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See this thread for reference:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g143026-i1168-k3011691-Need_hiking_boots_or_not-Glacier_National_Park_Montana.html |
Anonymous
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I think the best response is #10 - you'll need good quality socks.
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Anonymous
| Bear Spray. |
Anonymous
| Binoculars are always a fun bonus item. |
Anonymous
Best bought at the Wal-Mart in Kalispell or when OP enters Glacier. Bear Spray is on the "not allowed" list from TSA. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list |
Anonymous
| Bear bells |
Anonymous
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You're not going to be taking those little ones on the tougher trails so no they don't need boots. When we went years ago I think mine wore Keens because they can get wet too.
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Anonymous
| Also, when you hike have one parent in front, one in the rear with kids in the middle. Stay together as a group, make noise and you'll be fine. Bears don't attack groups larger than 4 people. I've hiked all over the West and have never encounter a bear on a trail (although have seen them from a distance). Glacier's a great park. Take advantage of the ranger programs (Junior Ranger badge too). My kids have good memories of that trip. |
Anonymous
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Good trail shoes are fine. Good socks. Sunscreen and hats--you burn more quickly at elevation. Bug repellent. Water bottles.
The main lodge at Glacier has some Ranger-led programs, and I think there's a boat trip option, too. We found that Keen-style water sandals were good for visiting the lakes, since the beaches can be pretty rocky. |
Anonymous
Which "main lodge" are you referring to? I assume it is Many Glacier Hotel, but maybe not??? |
Anonymous
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We always travel with waterproof breathable rain jackets. Smart wool or similar socks. Small lightweight headlamp. Fleece top. Non cotton shirts. Columbia has them for kids.
Columbia outlet at Clarksburg and REI online sales are places to look. Our kids use small REI kids backpacks and carry their own reusable water bottles. |
Anonymous
NP, but I think of the Lake McDonald Lodge as the main lodge. It's the first one you'll encounter coming from Kalispell. We just got back from Glacier and Big Sky and had an amazing trip. You're going to love it. |
Anonymous
When we drive to Many Glacier from Kalispell, we will not be going on Going to the Sun Road, but by US 2 and MT 464, so we won't even go by Lake McDonald Lodge until we get on our Red Bus / Jammer for the Crown of the Continent tour. (Booked that yesterday!) MGH is quite a bit larger than Lake McD Lodge but LML is a year older. |