What to Pack for Big Bend: Ultimate Packing Guide

Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote parks in the U.S., so being prepared can make or break your trip. After exploring the park firsthand, Elliot and I assembled this Big Bend Packing List to make packing a breeze. As peak season runs from November to April, we’re focusing on everything you’ll need for these months—from hiking gear to camping must-haves.

👕 Clothing Essentials

During our visit in March 2025, we experienced temperatures ranging from the 30s at night to the 80s during the day. With such fluctuating temperatures, we focused on layers to stay comfortable. Here, we’ve included Big Bend clothing essentials to keep you cool during the day and warm when the temperature drops, as these are the key needs for the park’s peak season.

1. Hiking Shoes – Elliot’s favorite trail runners and Jen’s favorite hiking boots.
2. Hiking pants – We wore both pants and shorts during our visit, depending upon where we were hiking, as the Chisos Mountains were 20 degrees cooler than the desert areas of Big Bend. These are Elliot’s favorite hiking pants and Jen’s favorite hiking pants.
3. Long underwear – Elliot has had this REI base layer for almost 10 years, and the same for Jen! Jen wore her long underwear during our early morning hikes in Big Bend and then would change out of them later in the morning.
4. Wool shirt – Jen prefers to dress warmly with layers. Wool shirts are a great lightweight option for warmth and comfort.
5. Hiking Shorts – Elliot loves his Vuori Kore shorts, and Jen loves her Vuori Clementine 2.0 shorts.
6. Wool Socks – Jen loves these socks and Elliot loves these socks.
7. Sports Bra – Jen loves her Vuori sports bra.
8. Wool Cap & Warm Gloves – If going during the winter, we would make sure to bring a warm beanie and gloves. A must-have for chilly mornings and evenings.
9. Lightweight long-sleeve shirt – Elliot’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt and Jen’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt. We both have these sunshirts and love them!
10. Short-sleeve shirt – Lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts. Elliot loves his Vuori Tech Tee shirt.
11. Wide-brimmed hat – As part of sun safety, we love pairing sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats.
12. Sunglasses – Sunglasses are a must-have for sun protection.
13. Fleece Sweater – Elliot loves his Vuori Outdoor Trainer Shell Jacket as a midlayer, whereas Jen loves her Patagonia Fleece Pullover.
14. Down Jacket – We both have Patagonia Down Jackets to stay warm—Elliot’s jacket and Jen’s jacket.
15. Rainjacket – This is Elliot’s favorite rain jacket and Jen’s favorite rain jacket.
16. Bathing Suit – If you’re planning on getting into the water at the hot springs.
17. Towel – If visiting the hot springs, a quick-drying towel is always a plus!
18. Water Shoes – If visiting the hot springs or heading on a river trip – we love our Chacos (we have had ours for over 10 years), but Tevas, Keens, Birkenstocks, or Crocs would work well too.
19. Underwear – A few pairs of moisture-wicking, breathable underwear for comfort on the trails.
20. Night wear – Lightweight sleepwear for warm nights, but consider layering up if you’re camping at higher elevations.

🗺️ Hiking Essentials

1. Lightweight backpack – Elliot carries this backpack with the included rain cover, which was helpful in the rain, while Jen carries this backpack.
2. 3 Liters of Water Per Person – We broke our daily water supply down into a 2-liter water bladder and a 1-liter water bottle. We love this water bottle featuring all of the US National Parks with stickers to check off your visit to the National Parks.
3. Trekking Poles – Jen loves these trekking poles for stability when hiking.
4. Trail Map – We download all trail maps ahead of time with AllTrails+.
5. GPS – We carry the Garmin InReach Mini 2 with us on all trails for safety.
6. First Aid Kit – It’s one of those items we hope to never have to use but always carry, just in case. More often than not, we’re opening our first aid kit for others on the trail.
7. Flashlight & Signaling Device – NPS recommends carrying a flashlight and signaling device (like a whistle or mirror), especially on remote hikes. Always inform someone of your route and expected return time.
8. Headlamp – A headlamp is especially useful when going on sunrise, sunset, or night hikes!
9. Snacks or Packed Lunch – Our go-to hiking snacks include dried fruit, protein bars, or meat sticks.
10. Toilet Kit – Whether it’s packing pre-divided toilet paper in a plastic baggie (and a second baggie for the dirty toilet paper to Leave No Trace) or a Kula Cloth.

⛺ Camping Essentials

1. Sleeping Bag – A 3-season bag is best for Big Bend’s varying temperatures, especially in winter.
2. Sleeping pad – Provides comfort and insulation from the ground, here’s ours.
3. Tent – Choose a weather-resistant, 3-season or 4-season tent for wind and cold.
4. Tarp or Ground Cover – A tarp is useful for extra protection under your tent or for shade.
5. Pillow (optional) – A small camping pillow or stuff sack with clothes works well.
6. Earplugs – These earplugs block out noise from neighboring campers in frontcountry campgrounds.
7. Food for meals – Stock up on camper-friendly food before your trip. The closest store is 1.5 hours away, although there are a few convenience stores inside the park for last-minute purchases.
8. Cooking equipment – Bring cooking equipment like a stove, cooking pots, utensils, fuel, and matches or a lighter if you plan on cooking at the campground.
9. Trash Bags – Leave no trace! Pack out all waste, including toilet paper in trash bags.

🪥 Toiletries

1. Toothbrush & Toothpaste – A toothbrush and toothpaste are essential for fresh breath on the trail.
2. Brush or Comb – Keep your hair manageable after a long day of hiking with a brush.
3. Quick-drying Towels – Quick-drying towels are much more useful than normal towels when on the go.
4. Biodegradable Soap – Eco-friendly soap that won’t harm the environment when washing in nature.
5. Biodegradable Shampoo – This shampoo helps keep your hair clean without damaging the ecosystem.
6. Wet Wipes – Wet wipes come in handy when you can’t shower.
7. Razor & Shaving Cream – If you prefer to shave while camping, pack a razor and some shaving cream.
8. Shower Shoes – A pair of shower shoes for communal showers or hot springs is a must!
9. Sunscreen – Protect your skin with this waterproof SPF 50 sunscreen for full day protection.
10. Lotion & Lip Balm – Moisturize your skin and lips, especially in desert climates.
11. Bug Spray – Repel 100 is a must for keeping those annoying pests away.
12. Deodorant – Keep fresh on those long, hot hiking days with a solid deodorant.
13. Nail Clippers – For keeping your nails trimmed and tidy, pack a pair of nail clippers.
14. Personal Items (Medication, feminine products, contacts, etc.) – Don’t forget anything you need for your personal health and comfort.

📸 Miscellaneous

1. Passport – If you’re planning on crossing the border into Boquillas, Mexico
2. Camera – A camera is a must for capturing the stunning landscapes! Don’t forget extra batteries and SD cards.
3. Notebook & Pen – Perfect for jotting down notes, observations, or travel memories during your trip.
4. Book to Read – A great way to unwind at camp! Check out NPS’ Suggested Reading Page for Big Bend.
5. Chargers & Portable Charger – Chargers are essential for keeping your devices charged during your visit, and a portable charger comes in handy on hikes!
6. Binoculars – Binoculars are great for wildlife watching, birding, and taking in the distant views.
7. Cash & Credit Cards – While many places accept cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small towns around the park. Here’s a link to find the best travel credit cards.

Read Next:

How to Camp in Big Bend National Park: Tent & RV Camping Guide

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