Clothing- Dress in layers, bring hat, gloves, a poncho or rain jacket, and waterproof pants. It's a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather even in summer, especially in the High Country.

Footwear- Lightweight shoes (trail runners & light hikers) designed for hiking are great for any non-strenuous hike. They can be used on any trail, but hiking boots would be ideal on more challenging hikes over difficult terrain. Waterproof hiking shoes and boots are necessary for hikes during spring and winter when trails are wet and snowy.

Additional Essentials (for every hike)-Sun Block, sunglasses, insect repellant, sun hat, backpack

All Season Hiking Clothes- Dressing in layers is always suggested when planning an outing in Yosemite. Very few hikes begin and end in only shorts and T-shirts. The temperatures in Yosemite vary based on the elevation level, amount of sunlight on a particular trail, and of course, the time of day. All adventurers should always pack an extra layer for colder weather. A good weather-proof (Gore Tex) jacket is recommended for most hikes with the exception of hiking during extreme summer months of July and August. It is a good idea to pack heavier at higher elevations even during those months. Please be sure to bring a heavier fleece and extra layers for colder months during fall, winter and early spring.

Cold Weather Hiking Gear-Hiking from fall through early spring requires some heavier layering to stay warm and offer protect from the elements, especially water and snow. You must start with good hiking boots. Anything waterproof would be suitable and Gore-Tex would be ideal. Make sure to stay comfortable with wool or synthetic socks. Continue with a good synthetic thermal base layer of clothing ( top and bottom). Add a synthetic sweatshirt layer and quality hiking pants. A good fleece jacket should be your next layer. This is important because it will be your outer layer as you warm up throughout the hike.

It is extremely important to protect yourself from the elements with a waterproof jacket, shell or parka. Again, Gore Tex would be best. Note: you would not need a heavily insulated jacket if you brought a fleece jacket layer, It would also be a good idea to pack some waterproof pants in case it rains or snows.

Gaiters (protective shell that wraps around ankles and legs below the knee) are definitely recommended when hiking in snow because you'd hate to get snow on the inside of your waterproof boots. Don't forget a good wind blocker hat and some gloves that can protect you from the cold and wet weather. The list can go on forever but it is never a bad idea to be over prepared.

Sun block and sunglasses are also important in winter as the sun reflects off the snow. Many of Yosemite's trails are open in winter, but those outside the valley are not passable without snow shoes or cross country skis.

*Note for hiking on Waterfall Trails- Anyone hiking on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Wapama Falls Trail, or on the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls should be prepared to get very wet, especially during peak waterfall season. Please be sure to bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes on these adventures because you will be sprayed and the trails will be very wet and slippery.

Backpacks- Any day pack will do. Be certain your pack can carry all the water, food, and extra clothes your hike requires. Many newer models will have a slot for a hydration reservoir. Some smaller waist packs would probably be suitable for shorter trips. A good tip would be to bring an extra heavyweight trash bag for inside your pack to protect your gear from rain and snow.

Additional Gear-Light to moderate Hiking boots, mole skin for blisters and extra socks, walking stick or hiking poles, GPS device, head lamp, pocket knife, binoculars, 2 way radios, heavy duty carpenter garbage bag for waterproof protection of gear, small pack of tissues, flashlight, insect repellent, wide brimmed hat, heavy duty work gloves for Half Dome Summit hikes.

PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

Photo Session Gear- The following gear is required for our Photo workshops. Please be sure to bring your camera and its manual, lenses, a lens hood, digital memory cards, batteries, and a carrying case or backpack for all of your gear. Our photography guides also strongly recommend bringing a sturdy tripod (with ball head if possible) on your trip with us. If you do not own a tripod, it would be a good idea to purchase, rent, or borrow one before your trip.

Suggested Gear- Additional lenses and filters are also suggested as well as a cable release to minimize vibrations from pressing the shutter release.

Additional Photography Gear- Addtional digital memory cards, extra batteries, film, and a carrying case or backpack for all of your gear. If you are photographing in cold weather, a good pair of glove liners will work really well. If you are photographing in wet weather, we also recommend a towel and a rain cape or cover. You can even improvise and make one with a plastic baggie and a rubber band.

Gear for Spring Waterfall and Moonbow Photo Sessions:

Camera Gear: 
1.)   A strong hand flashlight
2.)   A weak penlight or head lamp with a low setting (for checking camera settings)
3.)   A bath sized towel to wrap around a tripoded camera and for drying wet camera gear
4.)   Several soft cotton cloths to clean wet lenses
5.)   Lens caps and clear, UV, or Skylight 1A  filters on the front of every lens
6.)   A large blower bulb to defog your eye piece
 7.)   An additional water resistant jacket or poncho to act as a hood over a tripoded camera
 8.)   A camera capable of making long exposures
9.)   A tripod
10.)   A cable release
11.)   Wide angle to normal focal length lens (an 18mm to 50mm zoom is ideal for digital SLR cameras)

Recommended Clothing:  (You will be standing in mist for a good while so dress accordingly)
1.   Warm, dry head gear (a ball cap type hat pulled tight over a wool beanie keeps eyes dry and head warm)
2.)  Water resistant parka, rain pants, down vest
3.)  Warm gloves
4.)  Gore Tex boots or other water resistant foot gear

Note: Umbrellas can sometimes be useful but, often times, close to falls, the blustery winds make them impractical.

Please also be sure to bring a sandwich, snacks, and drinking water.