I Just Got Back From a 3-Day Hiking Trip to Yosemite—Here's Everything I Packed

Magnificent waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, groves of giant sequoias, lakes, mountains, meadows, and glaciers—Yosemite National Park is truly breathtaking. I got to visit majestic Yosemite, along with awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park at the end of summer, and I can say with 100% conviction it is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.

As an avid hiker an outdoor enthusiast, I adore exploring national parks, and over the past decade, I've perfected the prep and packing part of the process. As a fashion editor, I'm always looking for pieces that balance function and style—practicality is a must when hitting the trails—and as you'll see if you go down the rabbit hole of "stylish hiking clothes" on Instagram, there are plenty of fashion-forward styles and brands that will keep you looking chic while you take in the views.

Below, I'm sharing some of the must-have pieces I recently packed on my trip to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks that I found incredibly practical, comfortable and chic. I visited the park when it was still pretty warm, but temps vary greatly depending on the season so be sure to pack plenty of layers.

Lightweight Tanks and Tees

Throughout the three days, I rotated a number of lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic and merino wool–based tanks and tees that dry fast and handle heavy sweat. I particularly love the brand Hikerkind (I wear its ribbed merino tank top on practically every trip I take) as well as REI's and Cotopaxi's offerings with UPF sun protection.

Hiking Shorts and Pants

I'll always travel with at least one or two pairs of hiking shorts and pants for a trip like this. I'm particularly fond of my quick-drying Patagonia Baggies shorts, Free People's super-cute Coast to Coast Hike shorts, The North Face Lightbright shorts, and Prana's Stretch Zion Halle shorts and Wide-Leg hiking pants. All exceedingly comfortable and perfect for short or long hikes.

Hiking Shoes

I generally try to pack light on hiking trips, but I'll always throw in two or three pairs of great hiking shoes in my trunk. I've grown an affinity for three brands over the years—Merrell, Salomon, and Teva. I love the all-purpose, all-terrain Moab 3 from Merrell, which is made for trails with lots of obstacles with heavy debris. Teva's water sandals with a quick-drying silhouette and grippy rubber outsole were definitely a favorite for walks by the water in Yosemite. My Salomon XT-6s check all the boxes and are definitely one the most aesthetically pleasing and fashion-forward pairs I own.

Accessories

Since we were out for long days in Yosemite, I opted for a hydration vest, and my husband wore a hydration backpack—both convenient and practical options instead of lugging heavy water bottles, particularly for longer hikes. I love my Solomon hydration vest, which is soft and breathable, fits securely, and looks chic. It also has just enough room in the back for your phone, snacks etc. If you're looking for a regular hiking backpack, I highly recommend Cotopaxi's 18L Daypack, which is not too bulky and has plenty of practical pockets. In terms of other accessories? A bandana and a cap will allow some shade from the sun while adding a cool touch to your look.

Layers

I'll always bring my Patagonia fleece-lined zip-up jacket (or a lightweight insulated puffy jacket) to keep warm when on hiking trips and a light rain jacket that I can fold up easily.

Swimsuit

There were plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water at Yosemite (try tubing down the Merced River!), or if you're staying in a nearby lodge with a pool (I recommend Ahwahnee or Tenaya Lodge), then a swimsuit will unquestionably come in handy.