Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows: what to bring
Olympic National Park, Washington · 56 km round trip · Usually 3 days · Best Jun–Sep
Shopping in the US? This list with US stores →
Black bear country · Permit or reservation needed · Bear canister required overnight
Your size · Pick it once to see deals that fit you.
Your size:
Navigation: map, compass or GPS app with offline maps
EssentialThe first of the 10 essentials: phones lose signal and batteries.
SilvaRanger S CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$59.95
BruntonTruArc15 CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$96.00
Coghlan'sPin-On CompassSAIL$3.49
GarminETrex 22x Handheld GPSSAIL$279.99
GramicciCompass KeyringMonod Sports$34.99
SkiKrumb TrackersGPS TrackerValhalla Pure Outfitters$197.00
SpotGen 4 Satellite GPS MessengerSAIL$199.99
Survive Outdoors LongerSighting Compass with MirrorValhalla Pure Outfitters$26.95
Trak MapsQuebec 12 Quad Trail for GPSSAIL$99.99
SilvaField CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$34.95
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Headlamp + spare batteries
EssentialHikes run late more often than planned.
Black DiamondStorm+ HeadlampAltitude Sports$69.95
L.L. BeanL.L.Bean Trailblazer SNAP 450 Headlamp KitThe Last Hunt$33.80$68.99−51%
LedlenserH14R.2 HeadlampThe Last Hunt$210.00$350.00−40%
PetzlActik Core HeadlampAltitude Sports$109.95
SilvaSmini HeadlampAltitude Sports$64.95
BioLite800 Pro HeadlampSAIL$139.99
BrowningNight Gig Elite HeadlampSAIL$69.99
Black DiamondSpot 400 HeadlampTrailhead$44.99$59.99−25%
Black DiamondCosmo 350 HeadlampTrailhead$33.74$44.99−25%
Black DiamondAstro 300 HeadlampAltitude Sports$24.95
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
EssentialUV is stronger with altitude and on snow.
VallierBushwick Bucket Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$28.59$54.99−48%
TilleyT3 Sahara Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$61.19$119.99−49%
Altitude SportsRecycled Polyester Sun Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$22.49$49.99−55%
PranaKootenai Bucket HatValhalla Pure Outfitters$27.50$55.00−50%
Outdoor ResearchSun Bucket HatValhalla Pure Outfitters$47.96$59.95−20%
PistilJoni Straw Sun Hat - Women'sValhalla Pure Outfitters$39.60$66.00−40%
ColumbiaTrek II Bucket Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$28.79$44.99−36%
Arc'teryxSinsolo Bucket Hat (Prior Season)Valhalla Pure Outfitters$70.00$100.00−30%
The North FaceClass V Brimmer Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$51.79$69.99−26%
BuffNmad Bucket HatValhalla Pure Outfitters$44.25$59.00−25%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
First-aid kit (with blister care)
EssentialBlisters and small cuts are the most common problems.
Adventure Medical KitsBlister Medic KitMonod Sports$14.99
OrtovoxFirst Aid Roll Doc MidMonod Sports$44.99
Adventure Medical KitsFirst Aid, Family First Aid KitMonod Sports$37.99
Adventure Medical KitsGlacierGel Blister and Burn DressingMonod Sports$15.99
Adventure Medical KitsMedical First Aid Kits Ultralight Watertight .5Trailhead$25.99
Adventure Medical KitsMedical First Aid Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Trailhead$35.99
OrtovoxFirst Aid Waterproof MiniMonod Sports$44.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Knife or multi-tool + repair tape
EssentialFor gear repairs and first aid.
Fire: lighter or waterproof matches
EssentialFor warmth in an emergency.
Emergency shelter: space blanket or bivvy
EssentialIf you're stuck out overnight.
RabArk Emergency BiviValhalla Pure Outfitters$30.00
SOLEmergency BlanketMonod Sports$7.99
RabArk Emergency Bivi 2 PersonValhalla Pure Outfitters$40.00
SOLEmergency Blanket XLMonod Sports$10.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra food (a day's worth more than you plan)
EssentialDelays happen.
Extra water + a way to treat it
EssentialStreams can carry giardia; dry trails have none.
HydraPakBottle Bright (12 Tablets)Bushtukah$5.47$10.95−50%
YetiRambler 12 oz / 355 mL Travel BottleTrailhead$28.49$37.99−25%
KatadynExplorer Pro Water FilterAltitude Sports$599.95
PlatypusDayCap In-Bottle FilterAltitude Sports$59.95
OspreyWater Bottle - 20 oz.SAIL$16.00
Aquatabs20 L Water Purification Tablets - 30/PKSAIL$25.00
CamelBakBottle Brush KitSAIL$19.99
Coghlan'sBottle CarrierSAIL$8.99
GraylGeopress Purifier Water Bottle - 710 mlSAIL$124.99
HydraPakStow Hydration Bottle - 500ml/17ozBushtukah$14.47$28.95−50%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra layers: warm layer + rain shell
EssentialMountain weather turns fast.
RabNamche GTX Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$274.99$499.99−45%
Mountain HardwearStretch Ozonic Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$114.79$279.99−59%
The North FaceAntora Rain Parka - Women'sThe Last Hunt$117.29$169.99−31%
HaglöfsL.I.M Alpha Hooded Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$205.08$554.28−63%
KarposTemporale 2.0 Jacket - Men'sThe Last Hunt$181.99$349.99−48%
Outdoor ResearchAspire 3L Jacket - Women'sTrailhead$244.97$349.95−30%
TernuaAdvance Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$192.49$549.99−65%
avalancheEvasion Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$171.26$518.99−67%
RainsPocket Rain Jacket - UnisexThe Last Hunt$113.09$194.99−42%
PatagoniaM10 Storm Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$280.25$475.00−41%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Hiking boots
RecommendedRocky, steep ground and a heavier pack: ankle support and a stiffer sole.
MerrellMoab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes - Men'sThe Last Hunt$109.99$199.99−45%
KeenZionic NXT Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sThe Last Hunt$137.99$229.99−40%
AKUAdapta SD GTX Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$160.97$349.95−54%
The North FaceVectiv Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT Leather Hiking Boots - Women'sSAIL$119.99$239.99−50%
VansMTE Crosspath Mid Shoes - UnisexThe Last Hunt$100.69$189.99−47%
HanWagBanks GTX Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$167.69$389.99−57%
MammutSertig II Mid GTX Hiking Shoes - Women'sThe Last Hunt$126.66$238.99−47%
LowaRenegade Evo GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$247.79$419.99−41%
Garmont9.81 Egage Mid GTX hiking shoes - Women'sThe Last Hunt$156.39$339.99−54%
Helly HansenAWE Hiker Mid HT Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$117.79$189.99−38%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair)
RecommendedDry feet = no blisters.
BorealisMultisport Merino Hiking Socks - Men's - 2/PKSAIL$9.60$23.99−60%
LorpenMerino Light Hiker Socks - Women'sThe Last Hunt$16.79$34.99−52%
Mons RoyaleAtlas Merino Snow Sock - UnisexThe Last Hunt$21.93$35.96−39%
IcebreakerMerino Hike+ Liner Crew Socks - Women'sAltitude Sports$27.99
DahlgrenTrailhead Merino Sock - UnisexThe Last Hunt$22.49$29.99−25%
PatagoniaHeavyweight Merino Wool-Blend Knee SocksThe Last Hunt$36.26$49.00−26%
TilleyAnkle Merino Outdoor SockTilley$12.80$16.00−20%
HokaMerino Crew Socks - UnisexAltitude Sports$34.99
BridgedaleHike Lightweight Merino Performance 3/4 Crew Socks - Women'sValhalla Pure Outfitters$31.95
BorealisWintersport Merino Hiking Socks - Men's - 2/PKSAIL$12.99$24.99−48%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Overnight pack (35 L+)
RecommendedRoom for the essentials and a night's gear.
Mountain HardwearJMT Backpack 35L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$131.09$229.99−43%
NEMO EquipmentResolve Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack 35L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$170.99$299.99−43%
JanSportVenture Pack 40LThe Last Hunt$113.99$199.99−43%
Helly HansenCircuit Recco Backpack 60L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$225.69$369.99−39%
Peak DesignOutdoor Backpack 45L - UnisexThe Last Hunt$334.36$439.95−24%
SandqvistMountain Hike Backpack 30/40LThe Last Hunt$314.22$468.99−33%
Backcountry AccessStash Pro 35L (Prior Season)Valhalla Pure Outfitters$244.97$349.95−30%
PatagoniaDisperser Roll-Top Pack 40LThe Last Hunt$198.09$279.00−29%
OspreyEja Backpacking Pack 48L - Women'sBushtukah$299.95
The North FaceTerra 65L Backpack - Men'sAltitude Sports$299.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Trekking poles
RecommendedA long climb or a heavy pack: poles save your knees on the way down.
Life Sports GearUltra Trail Poles - UnisexThe Last Hunt$74.99$149.99−50%
Black DiamondExplorer 3 Trekking PolesAltitude Sports$109.95
KomperdellFXP Carbon Ultra PolesAltitude Sports$299.95
MammutAenergy Ultra Vario Carbon PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$259.00
LEKINeotrail Pro FX.One Superlite Trekking Poles - 2/PK · BRIGHT/CARBONSAIL$280.00
SalomonS/Lab Ultra Carbon PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$179.95
AtlasTrail Walking Poles - 2pcValhalla Pure Outfitters$89.99
CAMPBackcountry 3.0 Trekking PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$119.95
Black DiamondAlpine Z-Pole BasketsValhalla Pure Outfitters$8.37$13.95−40%
Life Sports GearEasy Trail Trekking Poles - UnisexThe Last Hunt$31.19$59.99−48%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Rain pants
RecommendedA wet-climate trail: rain is likely in any season.
HaglöfsL.I.M ZT Shell GTX Pro Pant - Women'sThe Last Hunt$328.18$886.99−63%
BorealisManaslu Rain Pants - Men'sSAIL$30.00$99.99−70%
Oakley25-1 Storm Pant - Men'sThe Last Hunt$100.44$244.99−59%
Outdoor ResearchStratoburst Stretch Rain Pants - Men'sTrailhead$113.97$189.95−40%
MarmotLightray GTX Pants - Women'sValhalla Pure Outfitters$152.00$380.00−60%
NorrønaLofoten GTX Pants - Womens (Prior Season)Valhalla Pure Outfitters$272.00$680.00−60%
Helly HansenAlder 2 Layer Shell Pants - Women'sThe Last Hunt$155.79$379.99−59%
MammutMountain Pro 3L Gore-Tex Pants - Men'sSAIL$247.00$494.00−50%
ColumbiaPouring Adventure III Waterproof Hiking Trousers - Men'sThe Last Hunt$50.59$109.99−54%
RabIncline AS Soft Shell Pants - Men'sSAIL$114.00$190.00−40%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Bear spray
RecommendedBlack bears live here; spray is the proven deterrent.
Approved bear canister
RequiredThe park requires one for overnight trips.
Satellite messenger (inReach or similar)
RecommendedNo cell signal for most of it.
GarminInReach Cradle MountSAIL$19.99
inReachMessengerValhalla Pure Outfitters$439.99
SWARTZZl1500 Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$269.99
ZoleoZL1000 Satellite CommunicatorValhalla Pure Outfitters$209.00
GarminInReach Messenger PlusBushtukah$729.99
GarminInReach Messenger Plus Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$559.99
GarminInReach Messenger Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$439.99
GarminInReach Mini 2 Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$489.99
GarminInReach Mini 3Bushtukah$649.99
GarminInReach Mini 3 PlusBushtukah$699.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Tent or shelter
RecommendedOvernight on the trail.
Sleeping bag + pad rated for the season
RecommendedNights are cold in the mountains.
Stove, fuel, pot
RecommendedHot food and water.
Permit or reservation
RequiredThis park/trail requires one (dates, quotas or parking). Check its page.
Calories and food for this trip
Your numbers stay on this device.
This park doesn't publish the climb: add it for a better estimate.
An estimate from the US Army's Load Carriage Decision Aid (Looney et al., 2022), on trail, with half the walking up and half down this trail's average grade, plus your resting burn for the rest of the day. Cold, snow, a fast pace or a heavier pack mean more.
Distance from Olympic National Park's page (park page), checked October 25, 2026. Trails change: check the park's page and conditions before you go. The Gear Fox isn't affiliated with the park.
Get hiking deals in your size every Friday
Free. One email on Friday mornings with the best hiking deals in your sizes. Unsubscribe in one tap.
Quick answers
What should I bring for Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows?
The 10 essentials (navigation, headlamp + spare batteries, sun protection, first-aid kit (with blister care), knife or multi-tool + repair tape, fire, emergency shelter, extra food (a day's worth more than you plan), extra water + a way to treat it, extra layers), plus for this trail: hiking boots, wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair), overnight pack (35 l+), trekking poles, rain pants, bear spray, approved bear canister, satellite messenger (inreach or similar), tent or shelter, sleeping bag + pad rated for the season, stove, fuel, pot, permit or reservation.
Do I need a permit for Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows?
Usually, yes: Olympic National Park manages permits or reservations for this area (dates, quotas or parking). Check its page for your dates before you go.
Are there bears on Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows?
Yes, black bears. Carry bear spray and store food away from your tent overnight.
The Gear Fox · Outfox full price · Prices change often: the store's price at checkout is the one that counts. · @thegearfox · Privacy