What to Wear in Yosemite (Spring Edition)

Yosemite is located in Central California and has what is termed a “Mediterranean climate”. That means we have warm days and cool nights. So what should you bring to wear? Well, really, that depends on the season but the key is to think “layers”.

Spring/Summer
During the Spring and Summer it’s not uncommon to have afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and I’ve even seen a snow flurry upon occasion. Temperatures can drop quickly so you’ll want to bring some warm clothes as well as things you can change into when it gets hotter. Here is a short list of what I bring for a day trip (bring several sets of everything but the boots and sandals if you’re staying multiple days).

Hiking Shorts (Cargo Shorts)
T-Shirt
Long Pants
Light Jacket With Hood
Polar Fleece Jacket or Vest
Polar Fleece Pants
Long Sleeve Shirt (essential to help prevent sunburn and keep you warm when it gets cold)
Socks (couple pairs in case they get wet)
STURDY Hiking Boots
Sandals (my personal preference for driving and hanging out in the Village)
Wide Brimmed Hat (to keep the sun off the ears and neck so I don’t get sunburned)
Polarized Sunglasses (a must!)

Here how it works: As you get colder don’t change an article of clothing out for another, simply layer it on top of what you already have on. For instance: adding the Long Sleeve Shirt on top of your T-Shirt. If you get colder try putting the pants on over your shorts. Polyester or rayon pants from a workout/warmup suit work very well for this. If you’re still cold remove the pants and add the Polar Fleece pants then replace the Long Pants. If it starts to hail or rain throw on the Polar Fleece Vest or Jacket and the Light Jacket with a hood.

Remember the goal is to be warm, but not sweating. If you get too warm unzip or take something off.

All these things fit in my Mountainsmith daypack with lots of room left for a water filter, food and camera gear. Take them with you on the trail. It could just be what saves your life if something happens and you’re forced to spend a night in the woods.

Originally posted at: https://yosemiteblog.com/what-to-wear-in-yosemite-spring-summer/