Nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Rockies lies a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike: Glacier National Park. Among its many treasures, the pristine waters offer a serene yet exhilarating experience for kayakers. Though we’re not professionals, we love to paddle on the lakes and rivers. Yes, kayaking at Glacier National Park does need proper preparation, but since we’re here, there’s nothing you should worry about. We’ve done this multiple times and memorized the dos and don’ts. Below, you’ll learn about everything you need to bring and know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. We’ll cover everything from packing the right stuff to knowing the lakes in the park!
Also, have you checked out our exciting Glacier National Park 5-day itinerary? It’ll definitely inspire you!
Table of contents
Safety Gear
First things first! Bringing proper safety gear is crucial for kayaking at the park, or any body of water for that matter. The weather in Glacier National Park can change rapidly, and even calm lakes can become dangerous with sudden winds or storms. Here are the things that we think are highly important and you have to bring:
Life jacket
Bringing and wearing a life jacket while kayaking in Glacier National Park isn’t just important; it’s mandatory. The National Park Service requires a USCG-approved life jacket for all paddlers on any watercraft within the park. This applies to everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability.
We’ve tried out so many amazing life jackets, but we think the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Vest is among the best for kayaking. It crushes the competition in terms of comfort, how well it fits, all its features, and even the price tag. First off, the sides are completely open, and you can adjust the side straps exactly how you like them. When testing it for the first time, we could move around freely without feeling restricted, and it was insanely breathable.
The shoulders are also winners. They have these soft Neoprene comfort pads that feel great against your skin, so much so that we almost forgot we were even wearing a life vest. The zippered pocket is another awesome feature. It expands to fit whatever you need to bring along, and it even has mesh drainage, so anything wet dries out quickly. There’s also a handy loop for hanging it up to dry and reflective bits that keep you visible in low light.
Pros
- This life vest is USCG-approved.
- It’s extremely lightweight and easy to use.
- It comes with whistles for additional safety.
Cons
- It might not be the best option for bigger individuals.
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First-aid kit
Aside from a life jacket, a first-aid kit is another thing you’ll always want to have. Speaking from experience, even a minor cut can become serious if left untreated, especially in an environment where help may not be readily available. It might take a while for you to return to your lodging inside Glacier National Park.
One of our favorite options is the Johnson & Johnson Travel-Ready Portable Emergency First-Aid Kit. What we love the most about this thing is its compact design. It’s a small, handy case packed with 80 essential wound care items, perfect for throwing in the car or your travel bag. We liked how it had everything we needed for minor injuries on the go. It came stocked with all sorts of adhesive bandages in different sizes, which was great because we never knew what kind of scrape we might get.
Plus, this kit comes complete with cleansing wipes, antibiotic ointment, and gauze pads to keep things clean and prevent infection. Big bonus: the kit has trusted brands like Band-Aid and Neosporin, so we felt confident using the supplies. We’d recommend it to anyone who wants a compact and convenient first-aid option for kayaking.
Pros
- Weighing 0.43 lbs, it’s lightweight and compact.
- It contains all the essential kits for minor injuries.
- This kit is relatively cheap.
Cons
- This kit might not be enough for serious injuries.
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Rescue throw rope
You should also bring a throw rope in case of an emergency. Enter the Fox 40 Marine Rescue Red Throw Bag. While you can use any throw rope, this one is especially great. First, the bag is well-made. When we first got it, we were impressed by the drawstring closure, which felt secure. And since the bag is bright red, anyone can see it easily.
The 50 feet of polypropylene rope is plenty long for most water rescue situations. We haven’t had to use it for real (thankfully), but we practiced throwing it a few times. The weight of the bag helped with a good throw, and the rope was uncoiled smoothly without snags. Restoring the rope after practice throws was a breeze – just bunch it up and stuff it back in the bag. Take a closer look at this rope by watching its official product video on YouTube!
Pros
- The bag’s red color is easy to spot.
- It’s perfect for most water activities.
- It’s highly durable.
Cons
- Taking the rope out of the bag can take a while.
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Sunglasses
Eye protection! Since the sun’s rays are strong at high altitudes, like Glacier National Park, protecting your eyes is crucial. Having high-quality sunglasses will help protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and long-term damage. The problem is that not all good sunglasses are good for kayaking.
That’s why we recommend the Costa Del Mar Rinconcito. Kayaking demands shades that can handle the elements, and the Rinconcito is exactly that. These sunglasses have been one of our go-to for years, and for good reason. The lenses are dark and crystal-clear, with top-notch polarization that cuts through glare like butter.
They’re one of the few pairs we’ve tested that completely block out blue light, a huge plus for long days under the sun. Plus, they barely reflect any light off the back, keeping our vision sharp even in the harshest conditions. The secure fit with built-in rubber nose pads is amazing, and the larger lenses with a slight wrap provide extra coverage when we need it most. No more squinting and worries – just clear vision and smooth paddling!
Pros
- A nice pair of sunglasses for high glare.
- These sunglasses are comfy yet secure.
- They offer amazing coverage.
Cons
- They’re a bit pricey.
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Sunscreen
Yep, your skin also needs protection. Even though the weather may seem cool due to the mountains and glaciers, you still need to use sunscreen. As we said earlier, Glacier National Park sits at a high elevation, which means there’s less atmosphere to filter out the sun’s UV rays. So, you’re more susceptible to sunburn at higher altitudes, even on cloudy days.
And in the world of sunscreen, nothing could beat the Banana Boat Sport Ultra 50 SPF Sunscreen Lotion. Whether we’re kayaking, running, or hiking, this has always been our favorite sunscreen. As you can see from the post below, it boasts an SPF 50 rating, meaning it blocks 98% of UVB rays. We’re always confident and well-protected no matter what we’re doing.
Moreover, we tested this sunscreen during a long hike and a dip in the ocean. We were impressed with how well it stayed on, even after sweating and swimming. Better yet, this lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It didn’t leave us feeling greasy or sticky, which is a major plus for hot days.
Pros
- Perfect for water sports, it’s sweat and water-resistant.
- Though it’s a lotion, it’s not greasy at all.
- It contains vitamin E and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Cons
- It takes a while to get a smooth application.
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Navigation Gear
Now that we’ve shown you the recommended safety gear let’s move on to the next one. Bringing navigation gear is very crucial when kayaking at Glacier National Park. As you may already know, the park has many lakes and rivers. Even we, who have visited it many times, are sometimes still confused about the direction, and it can be easy to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going.
GPS
Getting turned around in Glacier National Park can be easy, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. That’s why we think having a GPS can help you stay on course and find your way back to your starting point. We had a GPS with us even on our latest adventure to the park.
The Garmin Montana 700 GPS is IPX7-rated. During testing, we submerged it for up to a meter for almost half an hour, and it was completely okay. What’s more, the 5-inch touchscreen is glove-friendly, and we were even able to use it when our hands were wet. We could also zoom in and out of the maps easily. With this GPS, you don’t need a map either. The built-in ABC sensors provide real-time data on altitude, barometer, and, wait for it, compass!
Pros
- With the preloaded Topo Active maps, you can see detailed maps of the lakes, rivers, and even coastal details.
- The screen is bright even on sunny days.
- The battery life is impressive.
Cons
- Compared to other handheld GPS, this one is a bit heavier.
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Do you need another GPS recommendation? Check out the lightweight and compact Garmin eTrex 32x GPS. When we used it in one of our previous kayaking adventures, it fit snugly in our deck compartment without adding any unwanted weight. Thanks to the battery life, we could also spend the whole day on the water. Even in bright sunlight, the high-resolution screen was super easy to read. Finally, we could choose from a variety of maps, including detailed Topo maps, to help us identify landmarks.
Pros
- It has many amazing features.
- The screen is bright and clear.
- It’s compatible with many different maps.
Cons
- Internal memory is low.
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Kayaking Gear
Now, you don’t need to bring your own kayaking gear if you plan to go kayaking in the park. Why? There are several outfitters near the lakes that rent kayaks, paddles, and even life jackets. Though we agree that renting gear can be more convenient, we also love bringing our own, which we’re familiar and comfortable with. Below are the things that we usually bring; to us, they’re the hardest to replace.
Kayak
Of course, the last thing you want is to bring a heavy, massive kayak. Thankfully, there’s the Oru Inlet Kayak. We’ve used so many different kayaks before, but the Inlet has to be one of the most portable and lightweight options on the market. We kid you not, this kayak is ridiculously light. At 20 lbs, we could easily carry it to the water, throw it in the back of our car, or even shove it under our bed for storage. It also folds into a manageable package that makes transportation a breeze.
We weren’t expecting a top-of-the-line racing kayak. However, the Inlet performs admirably for leisurely paddling on calm lakes and rivers. It tracks well, maneuvers easily, and feels surprisingly stable on the water. We even took it out on a slightly choppy day, and while we wouldn’t recommend it for rough waters, it handled itself well with a little extra focus. Best of all, it comes in three different colors! Visit its official website to check out all the variants and the hundreds of positive reviews.
Pros
- It comes in a surprisingly compact bag.
- Assembling and disassembling the kayak is easy.
- One of the most portable and lightweight kayaks out there.
Cons
- The included seat isn’t the most luxurious.
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Kayaking gloves
Don’t let hand issues cut your excursion short. Kayak gloves are one of our essential gears, offering an extra layer of protection that shields our hands from the blisters, calluses, and general wear-and-tear that come with paddling. Not only will gloves keep your hands comfy, but they’ll also enhance your grip on the paddle, especially when it’s wet from splashing or rain. With improved control and protected hands, you can focus on enjoying the serenity of your kayaking adventure for longer.
Thus, we want to show you the Drasry Fingerless UV Gloves! Once we wore them for the first time, we were impressed by how lightweight and breathable these gloves felt. The 4-way stretch material felt like a second skin, and we barely noticed them while paddling. Plus, the fingertip pull tabs made them easy to take off, even when they were wet from splashing.
However, grip strength is where these gloves really shine for kayakers. The reinforced palms with synthetic leather and silicone dots gave us a confident grip on our paddles. No more slipping or worrying about blisters and calluses. In addition to that, the terry cloth on the thumb was amazing for wiping away sweat without having to take a glove off. Mind: blown!
“We didn’t know wearing proper gloves could make such a difference. We highly recommend you getting these UV gloves.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- These gloves offer UPF 50+ protection.
- They allow you to grip your paddles securely without sacrificing dexterity.
- They’re backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
Cons
- A bit too small for some people.
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Dry suit
Is the water in Glacier National Park cold? Given the park’s name, you shouldn’t be surprised that it can get extremely cold, even in hotter months. That’s why you’ll want to have a dry suit with you. This is best to stay warm and dry if you capsize or fall in the water. Trust us, it’s horrifying! Dry suits are waterproof and breathable, and they’ll keep you insulated even in cold water.
We recommend the NRS Extreme Dry Suit. With this dry suit, you’ll be warm and dry no matter what conditions are thrown at you. We were most impressed by its high-quality three-layer TriTon fabric, which wasn’t only 100% waterproof but also provided excellent thermal insulation to keep us comfortable in cold temperatures. The NRS Extreme was super tough, too, with extra fabric in high-wear areas that increased its durability.
While the Triton fabric makes the dry suit a bit more breathable than some other options, it also makes it a tad heavier and more durable. That’s a trade-off we’re sure you’ll be happy to make for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dry suit can handle anything. Another perk is the handy relief zipper with a flap cover. It allowed us to go without taking the entire suit off on long paddles.
Pros
- This dry suit keeps you warm and dry without sacrificing comfort.
- The material is extremely durable.
- It also protects your feet from slipping.
Cons
- There aren’t many pockets.
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Others
Aside from the gear above, we also find the following items to be extremely useful for us whenever we’re kayaking. You may or may not need them, but considering them won’t hurt, right?
Camera
Bringing a camera on a kayaking trip isn’t essential for safety, but it’s highly recommended. Glacier National Park’s scenery is breathtaking, and a camera will allow you to capture those memories. You’ll be paddling by stunning mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. You might even see some wildlife, like bears, moose, or bald eagles!
When it comes to watersport cameras, the GoPro Hero 12 is hard to beat. First off, the image quality is insane. When we tested this camera, our footage was buttery smooth, even on the choppiest rapids. The highlight is the new HDR mode, which helps you have perfectly balanced shots that capture the full beauty of being out on the water.
Also, the Hero 12 is built tough. We’ve taken it through spray, splashes, and even unintentional dips. Surprisingly, it dried out quickly and kept filming as if nothing happened. Furthermore, the new built-in tripod mount is every kayaker’s dream. Oh, have we mentioned that this camera lasts for ages?
Pros
- It can shoot 5.3K videos.
- This camera is completely waterproof.
- It’s small but highly durable.
Cons
- The touchscreen can be a little finicky with wet fingers.
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Snacks
The stunning scenery in Glacier National Park can easily be mesmerized. However, don’t forget to pack some snacks to keep you fueled up for your paddle. We usually bring high-carb snacks, as they can give us sustained energy for paddling. You can also bring fruits, nuts, seeds, or even trail mix.
Recently, we discovered the CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews and were instantly in love. Our favorite was the cherry flavor, and it tasted so good. Since they come in a variety of flavors, you’ll never get bored. Unlike some energy bars or balls that taste like punishment, this one is enjoyable to pop in your mouth.
The bite-sized chews are packed with 33 calories each, so they can give you a quick burst of energy without feeling heavy in your stomach. Another big plus is the customization. Some packs have caffeine, ranging from 60-70mg, which is great for those early morning sessions or when you need an extra edge. There are also caffeine-free options for sensitive or wanting to avoid it altogether. We’re sure you’ll enjoy eating this snack when kayaking out there.
Pros
- Designed for athletes and active people.
- It’s available in a bunch of different flavors.
- The texture is easy to chew.
Cons
- Not for kids and pregnant women.
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Dry bag
Bringing a dry bag can be very useful. Glacier National Park is known for its beautiful alpine lakes, but the water can be quite cold, especially early in the season. Even if you don’t capsize, you’re likely to get splashed by waves or paddles. That’s why we usually have a dry bag with us. It’ll protect our essential gear from getting wet, including our phone, camera, snacks, clothing, and first-aid kit.
Enter the Outdoor Products 20L Watertight Dry Bag. At 20L, this bag was roomy enough to hold all of our essentials without being bulky or cumbersome in our kayak. Also, the fact that it’s made from clear vinyl is a huge win. Thanks to this design, we were able to easily see what we packed. Plus, the mesh adds some extra durability.
However, can it really keep things dry? This dry bag absolutely delivers on its promise. The welded seams and the roll-top closure are top-notch. Even after paddling through some choppy waves, not a single drop made it inside. And the best part? If you do happen to capsize, the bag floats thanks to the rounded base. No more frantic swimming to rescue a sinking bag full of supplies!
Pros
- This dry bag is cheap but functional.
- It can float on the water.
- It comes with a quick-release buckle for easy access.
Cons
- It’s not designed for full submersion.
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Permit
Finally, you should have a certain permit when kayaking at Glacier National Park, depending on your trip.
- Wilderness Use Permit: This permit is required for overnight camping in the backcountry, but it’s not required for day kayaking trips.
- Free Launch Permit: Required for all watercraft entering the park’s lakes, including kayaks. You can obtain this permit after a free inspection by park personnel.
For more information about the permits, click here!
Getting the Free Launch Permit is quite simple; we’ve done this multiple times. You just have to head to the permit station, present your kayak for inspection, and obtain your Free Launch Permit. That’s it!
How To Choose The Best Kayak Gear?
Choosing the right kayak gear can be a tricky task. To make sure you get exactly what you need, consider the following:
Your skill level
Different kayakers need different gear. So, if you’re a beginner, you’ll want gear that’s easy to use and forgiving of mistakes. Look for a stable kayak, a lightweight paddle, and plenty of safety features. As you progress, you can invest in more performance-oriented gear.
The conditions you’ll be paddling in
You should also consider the water temperature, weather conditions, and the length of your trip. Depending on whether you’re paddling in hot sun or cold water, you’ll need different clothing and gear. You’ll need to pack for sun protection, hydration, and navigation for longer trips.
Budget
Kayaking gear can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and prioritize your needs. There’s no shame in starting with basic gear and upgrading later as you get more into the sport!
While we’re at it, make sure to read our lists of the best places to stay around Glacier National Park and pet-friendly lodgings in the Glacier National Park area!
Can you kayak at Glacier National Park?
Yes, you can kayak in Glacier National Park! The park has over 700 lakes, many of which are perfect for paddling. The calm, clear waters surrounded by stunning mountain scenery make for an unforgettable experience.
Where to kayak in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park has numerous lakes perfect for kayaking, each with its own beauty. One of our favorites is Lake McDonald. The park’s largest lake offers stunning mountain views and calm waters. It should be your go-to place for a relaxing paddle. You can also go to Swiftcurrent Lake. Set in the Many Glacier Valley, it’s known for its crystal-clear waters. Meanwhile, a bit more remote, Bowman Lake provides a true wilderness experience with stunning mountain scenery.
Is it safe to swim in Glacier National Park?
Yes, it’s safe. However, be aware that the water is very cold even in summer.
