What To Wear to Yosemite?
A Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping Yosemite Packing List and Clothing Guide
July 18th, 2023
Whether you’re out for a day hike or a backpacking trip, Yosemite Valley is a hiker’s paradise.
“I’m going to Yosemite this summer, what should I wear?” is a question we often get.
Whether you are visiting Yosemite Valley, climbing the Half Dome cables, or are cooling off in one of the park's many spectacular waterfalls, here's what to wear while visiting the Park or nearby Sierra mountains.
Mountain guide Duncan Cheung shares what he’s learned from 15,000+ miles of on hiking trails and off-trail wilderness experience and teaching over 150 people how to backpack minimally in Northern Sierra, including our beloved Yosemite National Park.
If you’re looking for hiking or backpacking gear, check out: The Best Trekking Poles, Backpacking Backpack guide, Best Backpacking Tents guide, and Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Gear checklist
| GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE | |
|---|---|---|
| Gear to wear while hiking | ||
| Sun Hat | ||
| Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat | ||
| Outdoor Research Sun Runner Hat | ||
| Neck and Face Protection |
The author of this story, Duncan Cheung, is a mountain guide with over 15,000 miles and 150 students guided in the Yosemite/Northern Sierra area. Photo courtesy Duncan Cheung.
Why trust us?
There is no such thing as one-guide-fits-all. We recognize that our readers’ specific needs and comfort levels are as diverse as the trip conditions that they will encounter from the base of Yosemite Valley to the top of Half Dome, to the high peaks around Tioga Pass.
Our recommendations are based on Duncan’s over 15,000 miles of on-trail and off-trail wilderness experience, 7+ years of professional guiding and teaching minimalist backpacking, input from Off Trail On Track’s 150+ students, primary research, gear testing, and advice from outdoor experts and community. To read more about the author, see Duncan Cheung’s profile.
To read more about the author, see Duncan Cheung’s profile.
Hiking in the granite dome wilderness of Yosemite. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
What’s the weather like in Yosemite?
This clothing guide is suitable for Yosemite National Park and Sierra visitors who are planning to hike 6-8 miles per day, mostly on established hiking trails between 4,000 to 11,000 ft.
Those elevations cover the most popular hikes starting in Yosemite Valley including Mirror Lake, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Bridalveil Fall, and Lower Yosemite Fall. It also includes mid-elevation hikes in the park such as the top of El Cap, Half Dome, and Upper Yosemite Fall. Lastly, this elevation range includes the higher elevation trailheads including Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadow.
If you're spending the day in Yosemite Village or Half Dome Village or walking along the Merced River, you'll be at the lower end of that elevation range around 4,000 feet. At 11,000 feet, you'll be in the high country and may encounter snow, but are still unlikely to need equipment to cross a glacier.
This guide covers “3-season” conditions, with temperatures ranging between 25ºF to 80ºF (-4ºC to 27ºC). In Northern Sierra mountains, that typically means late June to mid-September.
Falling precipitation is historically low during this time, characterized by afternoon showers and occasional short-lived storms. This guide is applicable if your travels will involve little to no technical or snowy, icy terrain that may require ropes, crampons, and snow/ice tools.
What to wear in March in the Park
March temps are on the lower end of the spectrum, especially at night. Follow the suggestions on this list, paying special attention to packing more cold clothing, rain gear, and better footwear. For many years, March was an off-season in the Park. Now it has become a more popular time to visit Yosemite Valley as there are cooler temperatures and often limited snow at that elevation. However, higher elevation parts of the Park may be inaccessible to cars due to snow.
What to wear in summer in Yosemite
Peak summer temperatures can get very warm (80ºF and warmer), especially in Yosemite Valley. Pay special attention to pay sun proof gear made with UFF fabric and good sunglasses and a sunhat.
How should I dress in Yosemite in September?
September days can be pleasant with crisp or comfortable temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Bugs are less likely to be an issue.
WHAT TO WEAR IN OCTOBER IN YOSEMITE
Expect below freezing temperatures at night. Bugs will not be a problem. Pay attention to the weather before you go. Snow is a possibility. See our post on How to Extend your Summer Backpacking Gear for Fall & Early Spring Use for recommendations on what gear we pack for cooler weather hiking.
Hiking in the Sierra during wildflower season can be a magical experience. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
How to Prepare for Yosemite Hiking
Although there are a few gear stores within the National Park boundaries, it is best to assemble and test your gear before you leave for your trip. We recommend trying your gear on a hike near home to make sure clothing fits correctly and doesn't impede your movement. By testing gear at home, you'll reduce the chance you'll have to make do with whatever gear you can purchase in the park. Testing gear on local hikes is also an important way of getting your body physically prepared for hikes you want to do in the Park.
Check guidebooks to decide which Yosemite hikes you want to do during your visit. Make notes of the mileage and elevation gain of those hikes. When choosing local training hikes to test your gear, work your way up close to that mileage and elevation gain. Start slow on shorter hikes with less elevation gain.
The day of your hike: Bring our checklist and mark off that you have everything you need before you leave the trailhead, including gear, maps, and your wilderness permit (if you're on an overnighter in the backcountry in the park).
What to wear while hiking in Yosemite
Whether you seek a strenuous hike with a lot of elevation gain like Half Dome or are on a multi-day trip of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, you will need similar clothing.
For a shorter Yosemite hike that is only a mile or two, like a jaunt to Tenaya Lake or the Giant Sequoia, you may not need everything on the list. But you should still be prepared by carrying the right clothing.
The primary function of the clothing and items that we recommend you wear while you are walking is three-fold:
Keep you drier and more comfortable during exertion
Protect you from the sun, intensity, and effect of which is compounded by the high altitude and park's (in)famous reflective granite. This is especially true for people on the Half Dome hike.
Minimize injuries and fatigue
There are many ways to achieve the above. Our recommendations below work together to help you travel light, smart, and hassle-free.
Sun exposure at altitude is strong. You’ll want to have good sun protection whether you’re hiking, resting, or looking at maps. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR HEAD WHILE HIKING
CAP OR HAT FOR HIKING
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Long-bill cap / full brim hat for better coverage,. This is especially important for when you are hiking on the unshaded, reflective granite terrain that makes the park famous, such as the Half Dome hike. We prefer polyester or nylon over cotton as these materials dry quicker. See our guide to Best Sun Hats for Hiking or Best Running Hats for headwear we like that we think provides adequate coverage.
WE LIKE:
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap because it has good coverage, is light, and has a bonus feature: the removable sun cape. The cape is very effective against the ground-reflected sun on your neck and face. Plus, the sun cape doubles as an automatic swatter that keeps mozzies off of your face and ears as you walk!
ALTERNATIVES:
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is a malleable (think packable) full-brim hat that comes with special holes that keep sunglasses in place effectively.
Yosemite has a lot of white, granite domes which reflect sunlight. Polarized sunglasses are a MUST to protect your eyes from sunburn. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
NECK/FACE protection
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Either lather your exposed skin with sunscreen or cover it with thin cloth/bandana. We find that regular bandana or kerchiefs work just as well as items that boast “SPF protection”; spend your money elsewhere.
WE LIKE:
Caps that have integrated/removable sun capes (see above), or any bandana/kerchief that isn’t see-through.
Neck gaiters/buffs are fine but sometimes not breathable/airy enough.
SUNGLASSES
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Any sunglasses that “block UV rays,” and not just “tinted/darkened.” Darkened lenses are harmful as they dilate your pupils to allow even more UV rays into your eyes. This can lead to sunburn inside your eyeballs. Polarized lenses are not required but are a nice bonus as they reduce glare and can serve as make-shift polarizers for your camera.
We can’t see ultraviolet wavelengths, but they can damage eyes and lead to cataracts, cancer, and structural damage to the retina.
Whichever sunglasses you choose, look for labeling that says 100% UV protection (also labeled as “UV400”). This means that the sunglasses can block light rays with 400 nanometers or less in wavelengths (anything bigger than 400 nanometers is no longer UV light). Many inexpensive or gas station sunglasses don’t come with a guarantee to block the three kinds of UV rays (or are falsely labeled) and can actually cause more damage to the eyes than if you wore no sunglasses at all. For more recommendations on sunglasses we like that stay on your head during sweat and movement, see our Best Sunglasses for Running guide.
WE LIKE:
Native Sunglasses as they are lightweight, polarized, and have great peripheral coverage. Another perk is that the arms are metallic, which is a relatively rare these days in sunglasses and we’ve found handy for durability while hiking.
ALTERNATIVES:
That being said, no need to break the bank on sunglasses as chances are they may get lost. Cheap UV-blocking sunglasses work just as well as $300 brand-name ones. We like GoodR sunglasses, which are designed to be no-slip, no bounce, and polarized.
The clothing you need in Yosemite will likely be the same whether you are day hiking and staying in a lodge or backpacking and staying in your tent. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WHAT clothes TO WEAR HIKING IN YOSEMITE
HIKING SHIRT
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Length: Short sleeve during high exertion and warmer conditions (≥65ºF). Go with a long sleeve if you’re expecting low exertion or you’ll be in the shade or near cool waterfalls.
Material: The key is to keep moisture away from your skin. Light-weight polyester or ~150-175 grams per square meter (gsm) merino wool, or Merino-polyester blend. Elastane in the mix = better movement. For more recommendations on shirts we like for active movement outdoors, see our Best Men's Running Shirts guide or Best Women's Running Shirts guide.
WE LIKE:
Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite Short Sleeve T (women's) and (men’s) as the 150 grams per square meter (gsm) fabric weight blocks the sun and dries quickly, doesn’t pill, is naturally odor-resistant. It also is held up well after 150+ days of rigorous use in the wilderness. Bonus: people love the screen-print graphics.
Comfortable hiking pants and a merino hiking shirt will serve you well in Yosemite. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
HIKING PANTS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Cut: The key is to minimize resistance as you lift your legs while hiking. Look for features like “4-way stretch,” gusseted crotch, and articulated knees, and trim fit and minimal pockets to avoid snags.
Length: We recommend long pants if you expect to travel through underbrush or if bug pressure is high. Convertible pant-shorts are helpful for swimming but are not necessary.
Material: Light, 85%+ nylon, some elastane. “Softshell” is not necessary as they just add weight, resistance, and clamminess.
WE LIKE:
MEC Mochilero Pants (men's). The updated version of the now discontinued MEC Sandbagger pants, their trim cut throughout pant length minimizes snags. It gives me minimum fabric resistance while I'm moving, though this experience may be different for you depending on your body shape and size. It is made of abrasion-resistant material and thick enough that Sierra mozzies don't bite through. See our guide to Best Men's Hiking Pants for more recommendations.
ALTERNATIVES:
My students who identify as women (many of whom are yogis) prefer the Prana Halle II Pant. These pants have the advantage of a trim cut and slightly longer and flared cuff that keep debris out. See our guide to The Best Women's Hiking Pants for more recommendations.
One of the best parts about hiking in Yosemite during the summer is sunny days and rare rain. But that also means you need to be extra vigilant about sun protection. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
SUNSCREEN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
SPF 30-35 (rapidly diminishing return when SPF ≥30), mineral-based, water-resistant, with no chemical filters. We like sunscreens that come in “lipstick application” style packaging because it won’t gunk up your hands. See our guide to Best Face Sunscreen or Best Sunscreen for Your Body for sunscreens that we found to be not-greasy and that rub in well.
WE LIKE:
Badger Unscented Sport Stick SPF35. It is weight and space-efficient. Mineral-based sunscreen tends to be gunkier but they are also long-lasting. "Lipstick application" style means clean fingers after application. It is also environmentally preferable compared to ones that rely on chemical filters.
SUN GLOVES AND/OR SLEEVES (OPTIONAL)
A study published in the Journal of Skin Cancer found that most people neglect to put on adequate sunscreen on the back (dorsal surface) of their hands. The same study also pointed out that skin cancers on the hand are more likely to metastasize. Since sunscreen on hands and forearms are easily rubbed off, sun-protective clothing will be more reliable.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Any thin polyester/merino sun gloves/sleeves as they will help you feel less clammy, and use less sunscreen. They work by wicking moisture away from your skin and replaces pore-blocking sunscreen on covered areas so your hands/arms will feel less clammy, especially on humid days.
WE LIKE:
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves. They are thin and light, and they wick well while offering excellent sun protection.
An Altimeter + Barometer + Compass watch or GPS watch has features that can be make it easier to navigate in the backcountry. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
hiking WATCH (OPTIONAL)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Basic Watch: Basic digital watch with flashing separator/analog with seconds hand helpful for checking vitals.
Advanced Watch: “ABC” (Altimeter+Barometer+Compass) and/or GPS Watch functions are helpful for navigation and weather forecasting. Key: Enough battery for the duration of the trip. Heart-rate monitors and other smart features are not critical. See our story on the Best Hiking Watches for more on GPS and ABC functions.
WE LIKE:
Basic Watch: Any cheap wristwatch that satisfies the above will suffice.
Advanced: Suunto Core All Black. The batteries are easy to find and are long-lasting (months) compared to days for GPS/smartwatches. An altimeter helps navigate when you are off established trails. Reliable in both cold and hot temps. It’s also our recommended pick for ABC watch.
Some trails in Yosemite can be steep and rocky and involve walking on granite slabs, which requires good footwear. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
FOOTWEAR FOR HIKING
Lightweight running shoes
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Our experience tells us that it’s better to rely on stronger feet than fancy footwear. While you may be tempted to use a hiking boot, we find better stability by training our feet for uneven terrain. Look for low/no-ankle cuff trail runners that strike a balance between good ground-feel, underfoot protection, and traction. We recommend NON-waterproof shoes as they will dry quicker and tend to be more affordable. See our guide to Best Men's Trail Running Shoes or Best Women's Trail Running Shoes for more recommendations. If you think you'd like to hike with shoes with more support, see our Best Hiking Shoes guide or Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide.
WE LIKE:
Footwear fit and preferences are very personal. We recommend getting fitted by qualified professionals. That said, I like Inov-8 Roclite 315 Trail Runner (men’s and women’s). They feel like a natural extension of my leg and feet and allow me to sense and take advantage of the micro terrain especially the little nubs and crevices of Sierra granite. For more on what to look for in trail running shoes, see our post on How to choose trail running shoes.
For more on how to choose the right shoes for you, look at Treeline's:
hiking SOCKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Light-cushioned merino wool, mini-crew/ankle length. Wear a pair, bring a pair. Socks with thick cushioning are harder to dry and unnecessary. Consider adding gaiters to reduce debris especially if you hike in shorts/capris. Important to avoid cotton as that material retains a lot more moisture, which can make your skin more prone to hot spots and blisters.
WE LIKE:
Darn Tough 1/4 Sock Light (men’s and women’s). Just long enough to reduce debris falling into the shoes. Merino+nylon blend makes them durable, odor-resistant, dry quickly. They are also just thick enough to cushion my feet well without bunching up. Backed by Darn Tough’s warranty, considered the best in the industry. It's the winner in our Best Hiking Socks guide.
Camping in Yosemite with friends and family can be one of the best experiences you have during your summer travels. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
What to wear while in camp?
Whether you’ve just had a satisfying jaunt up the Half Dome cables, ran a loop around Yosemite Valley, or splashed in the creeks at Happy Isles, there comes a time when you are ready to kick back and enjoy a meal and maybe a snooze.
Heat is hard to come by in the wilderness; we want to trap it close to our bodies whenever we can. The clothing you need at camp/rest, therefore, is primarily to help you retain heat. It can also be worn in your sleeping bag to extend your bag's temperature rating, especially early or late in the season.
Pro tip: Allow time for your base layer to dry off before putting on any filled puffy jackets. Moisture from sweat, waterfall splash, or a swim will dramatically reduce loft on most insulated jackets. This means that your puffy jacket will lose the ability to keep you warm. Fleece jackets don’t lose loft nearly as down- or synthetic-filled puffies. See our guide to the Best Fleece Jackets for more recommendations.
Expect cool nights in Yosemite. A simple beanie should keep the chill off for 3-seasons of the year. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WARM HAT/BEANIE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Any light-mid weight beanie will do. This is not as necessary if your puffer jacket has a warm hood. We find it helpful if the beanie/hat is made of “wind blocker” material/lining.
WE LIKE:
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Lite. The Perignon provides coverage for the ears and is lined with a wind-resistant material that effectively cuts the windchill.
Puffy jackets are warm for their weight and compress well into a daypack or backpacking backpack. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
DOWN JACKET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A good puffer is one of the best investments you can make for hiking or camping. Why? Because a light, warm, and packable puffer helps to extend the types of trips you can go on (aka, one single item added to your clothing allows you to extend your hiking season into late spring and early fall). We recommend “Down” fill over “Synthetic” fill for the conditions most common in Yosemite and the Sierra. For down-jackets, aim for a hooded, ≥800 FP (Fill Power), with a total weight of 9-18oz, of which, ideally fill material should take up ≥35% of the weight. Box baffle construction will be significantly warmer than “sewn-through” as the box baffles eliminate cold-spots along the seam lines. For more on down jackets, see our guide to the Best Down Jackets. If you think you'd prefer something that is warm-when-wet or vegan-friendly, see our guide to Best Synthetic Jackets.
For more on the differences between synthetic and down jackets, see our post on Which is Better: Down or Synthetic Jackets?
WE LIKE:
We really like the Montbell Permafrost Light Down Parka (women’s and men’s). It’s a shoulder-season-worthy parka (i.e., still works in early spring and the fall, when temperatures can be cooler) and offers a great temperature buffer for unexpectedly cold summer nights. This recommendation is warmer than what you need for the described conditions, we recommend it because we think a quality puffer is one of the best gear investments you can make. Although puffer jackets can be expensive, we think with the Permafrost Line, you get a lot of warmth and quality materials for the price.
ALTERNATIVES:
For those who are in search of a premium ultralight jacket, we recommend looking into the Montbell Permafrost Light Down Parka (women’s and men’s). These won’t be as warm as the Permafrost above, but will work well for the described conditions and have lighter weight, higher quality materials. For those who prefer puffers filled with water-resistant down – which retain warmth longer in prolonged humid conditions – consider the Rab Electron (women's and mens).
Fleece jackets layer well with puffy jackets and other layers. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
LIGHT JACKET
If temperatures drop to ~25ºF (-4ºC) or below, we recommend bringing a fleece jacket in addition to your puffer.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Fleece jackets will be heavier and bulkier but much warmer than puffers when they are wet/moist. They retain a surprising amount of warmth even if you’ve sweat through them.
Any brand, cheap mid-weight (~200wt) fleece will do. Since this is one gear item where most brands and models will work the same, if you don’t already own a fleece, we recommend looking at the discount section for past years’ models.
For added performance, “high-loft” fleece will be warmer and more packable. “Windstopper” liner limits breathability so we recommend not paying extra for it. Instead, use your rain gear to block the wind.
WE LIKE:
We like fleece jackets as they are highly breathable and promotes moisture expulsion during those cold morning uphill runs. See our Best Fleece Jackets guide for more recommendations.
Evenings and mornings can be chilly in the Sierra, especially at altitude. Make sure you bring the correct clothing for a time of day when you are sitting and not generating heat through movement. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
GLOVES / MITTS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Any light to mid-weight (200-wt) fleece gloves or mittens will work well. Avoid synthetic/down-filled handwear as they tend to be less durable and tear easily. This makes them less convenient for camp chores that can be rougher such as collecting firewood.
WE LIKE:
Fleece convertibles (aka glo-mitts). Mitten mode for warmth; fingerless-glove mode for dexterity. Like fleece jackets, no need to pay a premium for brand. Look for glove-mitts that have fold-backs not just on the fingers, but also the thumb for crucial dexterity. We like the Outdoor Research Gripper Convertible Gloves.
See our Best Winter Gloves for more recommendations.
ALTERNATIVES:
In a pinch, cheap polyester/fleece gloves from thrift stores or gas stations will work fine.
Cold weather gear is important when camping in Yosemite, whether you’re backpacking or car camping. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WARM LEGGINGS / TIGHTS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Leggings / Tights don’t need to be “athletic-cut”; long-johns will work fine. Go for light- to mid-weight polyester or 150-195 grams per square meter (gsm) merino wool. Cotton is ok too if the tights are used only at camp and will stay dry.
WE LIKE:
While specific brands don’t matter as much, my students like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Long Underwear Bottoms (women's) and (men's). Bonus: Patagonia Capilene series is made with 30% recycled polyester. The Patagonia Capilene is a winner in our Best Baselayers guide and is a favorite for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
When the weather looks like this in Yosemite, what do you wear? Yosemite Falls on a cold, rainy day. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WHAT TO WEAR IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS IN YOSEMITE?
RAIN JACKET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
For most spring, summer, and fall hiking, rain/snow is infrequent and short-lived in Yosemite and the Northern Sierra; your rain gear will likely stay in your pack for most of the time. Look for light and packable rain gear. We recommend a 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket with a hood, weighing 5 to 9 ounces. Expect all waterproof jackets to suffer from poor to bearable breathability. Get a size larger than your typical clothing size so that while at camp/rest, you can fit your insulation layers underneath. Do NOT go for “water-resistant” jackets for rain-proofing. In a pinch: gas station ponchos will work fine.
WE LIKE:
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket (women's) and (men's). It is light, packs into itself, has a great-fitting hood, and is usually on discount. It's a winner in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide, which includes other recommendations.
ALTERNATIVE:
Budget-conscious folks would appreciate a thru-hiker favorite: the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Suit (top and bottom) (women’s) (men’s).
RAIN MITTENS (OPTIONAL)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
If persistent cold rain/solid precip is expected (rare in Yosemite), a light, waterproof “shell/rain mitt” will keep your hands dry and warmer, especially in windy conditions. Get a size larger to fit all insulating layers underneath. They’re generally unnecessary in summer months. In a pinch, use plastic bags or stuff sacks.
WE LIKE:
Montane Minimus Mitt. They are tiny, effective, and they stow well.
A wet and snowy day in the Sierra. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
RAIN Pants
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Like other rain gear, these will stay in your pack most of the time. Therefore, aim for a pair that are as light and packable as possible (~3-8oz.) Full-length zippers add marginal convenience but added weight is unlikely to be worthwhile for minimalist backpackers.
WE LIKE:
ALTERNATIVES:
Rain skirts offer superior breathability with slightly less effective coverage. We like the ZPacks DCF Rain Kilt. Kilt-style bottom means ultimate breathability, though you need to get used to having shins and feet wet. When opened, it can also turn into a dry surface for sitting (or a groundsheet for dogs).
Pro tip:
If cold rain / solid precip is expected to last for 3+ hours (rare), an umbrella in addition to rain top+bottom will keep you much warmer as the cold rain won’t touch your jacket and rob body heat as it rolls off.
Depending on the year, snowpack, and part of Yosemite you are visiting, there may be mosquitoes and other bugs, especially near lakes and streams. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
WHAT TO WEAR DURING BUG AND MOSQUITO SEASON IN YOSEMITE?
Ticks and mozzies are the two types of insects that we need to prepare for, especially during early to mid-summer months (June - August) on wet years (2017, 2019). As a wilderness explorer and guide, my single biggest fear of all the things that can cause serious harm or death is Lyme Disease. Lyme is tick-borne and while its prevalence isn’t nearly as common in the western US compared to the eastern US, it is under-diagnosed, highly debilitating, and can result in a slow, painful death that lasts years.
The good news is that like many other tick-borne diseases, Lyme is very preventable. While mosquitoes in Yosemite tend to be more of a nuisance than a health risk, they can still affect our experiences outdoors and shorten our hard-earned vacations.
How to keep mosquitos away while hiking:
OUR 4-PRONG APPROACH HAS PROVEN HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES (AMONG OTHER PESKY INSECTS) OVER THE YEARS IN THE SIERRA:
Treat your base layer clothing, hat/neck protection, and socks with an over-the-counter insecticide called Permethrin before your trip.
Wear long-sleeved garments where possible (see above for bonus tips).
Apply DEET / Picaridin onto exposed skin especially around dawn/dusk, and in buggy areas. If mosquito pressure is very high, use a head net.
Check and properly remove ticks during and after outdoor activities, whether you think the area or activity is tick-prone or not. While tweezers are not part of your clothing system, we strongly recommend carrying a pair or a tick remover for prompt tick removal.
CLOTHING TREATMENT FOR HIKING DURING BUG SEASON
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Permethrin insecticide. Please follow treatment guidelines for maximum safety and effectiveness. We’ve found that each treatment is reliably effective for 4-6 washes. As a guide who works in the wilderness every other week, I’ve found that one Permethrin treatment at the start of the buggy season (June in Sierra) will typically last me through the end of the mozzie season (typically early September). Occasionally I need to treat my clothing twice in the same year. Important reminder: Permethrin is NOT for direct application on the skin.
WE LIKE:
Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing Gear and Tent. Brands don’t matter much in terms of effectiveness but Sawyer is readily available and comes premixed at the right dosage with consumer-friendly instructions and a spray bottle for easy application.
You may find bugs certain times of year and in certain places in Yosemite. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
MOSQUITO AND TICK REPELLANT FOR EXPOSED SKIN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
DEET or Picaridin. There is much debate around whether “natural” alternatives such as citronella oil are effective in wilderness areas during high bug season. Our experience: only DEET and Picaridin proved effective.
WE LIKE:
To minimize weight, look for “100%” DEET (which technically is only 98% in active ingredient concentration). Any brand will work but Sawyer Jungle Juice wins out again because it is widely available and generally cheap. Unlike low-concentration DEET (~20%), a small amount dapped and spread only on exposed skin will be sufficient; no need to spray a massive cloud around your body. Judicious application will help to preserve the environment and your synthetic clothing and gear. We like to buy a big bottle and repackage and clearly label 100% DEET in a 0.5oz atomizer bottle, which typically lasts 7-10 days.
ALTERNATIVE:
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion. Picaridin has an edge over DEET because it does not melt your synthetic clothing and gear. However, we’ve found that it requires a higher concentration and more frequent applications for it to stay effective compared to DEET. It typically comes in liquid or lotion form. We’ve found that the Picaridin lotion is longer lasting than DEET and you’ll end up using less of it throughout a trip.
Carrying a bug net can provide you piece of mind when hiking through marshy areas in the summer. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
HEADNET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
During heavy bug (mosquito) season, it is worth the 1-oz weight to carry a headnet to keep the pesky swarm away from your head. Pro-tip: get a size large enough to keep the netting away from your face. Pro-tip: treat head net with Permethrin before your trip for even stronger protection
WE LIKE:
Sea to Summit Head Net with Insect Shield. It is helpful to have a headnet that is pre-treated with insecticide
Author, mountain guide Duncan Cheung with his son Kiyo. Photo courtesy Duncan Cheung.
why you should trust us
Treeline Review celebrates the diversity and expertise of our writers and community. Duncan is a passionate and geeky wilderness explorer, teacher, guide, father, strategy advisor, and outdoor brand ambassador.
In addition to his 15,000+ miles of on-trail and off-trail experience, Duncan brings to Treeline lessons from having taught over 150 people how to backpack smarter, lighter, easier, and more mindfully through his backpacking academy, Off Trail On Track.
His mission is to inspire people to cultivate fulfillment in life, to channel resources toward conservation, and to foster inclusivity in our outdoor communities.
Duncan has three homes: Hong Kong, where he grew up, Berkeley, where he lives, and Wilderness, where he belongs. When he’s not guiding trips, Duncan loves to take Kiyo, his 6-year-old ninja-geologist son mining and camping. To learn more about how you can backpack smarter, lighter, and easier, check out offtrailontrack.com.
