ATV Tour Packing List

What Should I Bring on an ATV Tour Near Yellowstone?

Successful backcountry ATV touring requires more than just showing up with a helmet. You'll need hydration, nutrition, sun protection, and emergency items. Our 3-hour tours take you 15–35 miles into remote terrain where self-sufficiency matters.

Water and Hydration (Critical)

How Much Water to Bring: At elevation with physical exertion and dry mountain air, dehydration occurs rapidly:

• Minimum: 2–3 liters (64–96 oz) per person for a 3-hour tour
• Better: 3–4 liters if you perspire heavily or ride in summer heat
• Best practice: Carry more than you think you'll need—there are no water sources on most Island Park trails

Container Options:

• Hydration backpack with 2–3 liter bladder (hands-free sipping while riding)
• Water bottles in a small backpack or strapped to the ATV
• Avoid glass containers (breakage risk in a fall)
• Insulated bottles keep water cool in summer heat

Why hydration is critical:

• Elevation (6,800–8,400 feet) accelerates dehydration
• Dry mountain air wicks moisture from skin and lungs
• Physical exertion maintaining throttle and balance burns calories and creates heat
• Dehydration reduces cognitive function—judgment deteriorates before you feel thirsty
• Altitude sickness symptoms (headache, nausea) worsen with dehydration

Drinking strategy:

• Don't wait until you're thirsty—drink at scheduled breaks
• Aim for 4–8 oz every 15–20 minutes of riding
• Drink more in afternoon heat, less in cool morning/evening rides

Food and Snacks

Why Food Matters: A 3-hour ATV ride is moderately demanding physically. Low blood sugar causes:

• Fatigue and weakness (dangerous when operating machinery)
• Poor decision-making
• Difficulty concentrating on trail hazards
• Irritability and reduced enjoyment

Recommended Snacks:

• Trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate) – High calories, portable, no prep needed
• Energy bars – Convenient, satisfying, typically 200–300 calories
• Fruit (apples, oranges, bananas) – Natural sugars, hydrating, easy to pack
• Sandwiches or wraps – If you want a substantial meal (bring for post-tour)
• Peanut butter and crackers – Protein and carbs, long shelf life
• Granola or cereal bars – Lightweight, no spoilage risk
• Jerky or nuts – Protein for sustained energy

Avoid:

• Heavy, greasy foods – Hard to digest while riding; may cause nausea with elevation
• Excessive sugar without protein – Causes blood sugar crash
• Foods that require water to eat – Bread without a drink causes choking risk
• Dairy products (without cooling) – Spoil quickly at elevation in summer
• Alcohol – Impairs judgment and accelerates dehydration

Quantity: Bring 300–500 calories of snacks for a morning or evening tour, 500–800 for a full mid-day tour. You won't want a full meal while riding, but fuel is essential.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen

• UV index at 8,000+ feet is 25–40% higher than sea level
• Reflection off rock and snow amplifies exposure
• Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen before the tour
• Reapply after sweating, water crossings, or every 1.5–2 hours
• Nomad Yellowstone provides basic sunscreen, but bring your preferred brand if sensitive or using specific SPF

Lip Balm with SPF

• Lips burn rapidly at elevation
• Chapped lips become painful on windy rides
• Bring a single stick—lightweight and essential

Hat or Visor (Optional)

• Protects forehead and ears from sun
• Helmet prevents traditional hats; neck gaiters or bandanas work
• Some riders use a lightweight sun hat for breaks

Bug Spray (May–September)

• Mosquitoes can be intense near water crossings in early summer
• Bring DEET-based repellent if you're sensitive
• Spring (May–June) worse than summer

Personal Medications and Medical Items

Bring Any Prescription Medications:

• Altitude-related medications (if prescribed for elevation sickness)
• Inhalers (asthma, exercise-induced)
• Cardiac medications
• Any regularly-scheduled prescriptions

Over-the-Counter Medications to Consider:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen – For headaches (altitude-related or otherwise)
• Antacid – Elevation and vibration can upset stomachs
• Anti-diarrheal – In case food or water affects digestion
• Antihistamine – Allergies or bug bite reactions

Bring Your Own or Know What Nomad Yellowstone Provides:

• We carry a basic first aid kit for minor cuts, scrapes, and blister treatment
• We do NOT carry prescription medications—you must bring your own
• SAM splint and triangular bandage for injuries
• Wilderness first responder-trained guides

Navigation and Communication

Identification and Proof of Payment:

• Driver's license (required, especially if younger than 25)
• Reservation confirmation or printed receipt
• Insurance card (for emergencies, though rarely needed)

Phone and Communication:

• Cell service is spotty but available in lower elevations
• Nomad Yellowstone guides carry satellite communicators (Garmin inReach) for emergencies
• Bring your phone for personal use, but don't rely on it for emergencies
• Download maps offline if you're tech-oriented (unnecessary for guided tours, but good backup)

Credit Card or Cash:

• For tips (common practice for guide services)
• For post-tour purchases (food, drinks, souvenirs in West Yellowstone)
• Nomad Yellowstone accepts card payments, but tips and extras are up to you

Environmental and Leave-No-Trace Items

Trash Bag

• Pack out all trash: wrappers, bottles, cans, food scraps
• Bring a small bag specifically for waste
• Leave No Trace principle: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints (and tire tracks)"

Biodegradable Wipes or Washcloth

• Hands get dusty; clean before eating or removing helmet
• Prevents ingesting trail dust with food

Toilet Paper and Cathole Supplies (For Extended Tours)

• Our 3-hour tours stay on main trails; bathroom facilities aren't needed
• If you need to use the bathroom during the tour, inform your guide
• We can identify private/discreet areas

Camera and Documentation

Camera or Phone Camera

• The Yellowstone region is photogenic; capture memories
• Lightweight; doesn't encumber riding
• Bring a neck strap or secure pouch to prevent drops

Backup Battery or Power Bank

• Keep phone charged for emergencies
• 10,000 mAh portable battery is lightweight and sufficient

Clothing and Gear Adjustments

Extra Gloves or Liner Gloves (Spring and Fall)

• Hands lose heat rapidly while riding
• Carrying backup gloves allows swapping if they get wet
• Thin silk liners under riding gloves add warmth

Socks

• Bring an extra pair (moisture-wicking, wool or synthetic)
• If trails are muddy, wet feet become miserable on a 3-hour ride
• Thicker socks (merino wool) provide warmth and blister prevention

Windproof Layer

• We provide basic wind protection, but personal preference varies
• A thin, packable windproof jacket stows easily

Special Considerations

For Pregnant Riders:

• Consult your doctor before riding (vibration and impact not ideal during pregnancy)
• If cleared, hydration and nutrition are MORE critical
• Bring extra water and snacks
• Inform guides of your status for route selection

For Older Riders or Those with Mobility Issues:

• Bring any mobility aids or comfort items
• Extra padding (seat cushion) if you have back sensitivity
• Anti-inflammatory medications if you have joint concerns
• Inform guides so they can adjust pace or route

For Riders with Dietary Restrictions:

• Nomad Yellowstone doesn't provide meals, only stops
• Bring snacks that fit your diet (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, etc.)
• Communicate restrictions to guides in advance

For Riders with Anxiety or PTSD:

• Consider bringing comfort items (stress ball, music player with calming playlist)
• Inform guides of any triggers (heights, speed, confined spaces)
• Our guides can modify pace and route accordingly

Packing Strategy

Small Backpack (10–20 Liter Capacity): Easiest way to carry items while riding:

• Keep it balanced and not too heavy (back pain on long rides)
• Distribute weight evenly
• Avoid dangling straps that catch on vegetation

Secured on ATV:

• Some items can strap to the rear cargo rack
• Work with your guide to secure items before departure
• Verify nothing will fall or come loose during riding

In Your Pockets:

• Minimal—avoid heavy pockets that unbalance you or catch if you fall
• Phone, wallet, ID in small pouch if possible

What NOT to Bring

• Heavy, bulky items that restrict movement
• Glass containers (breakage risk)
• Anything easily lost or expensive (if it falls, it's gone in the brush)
• Alcohol (impairs judgment, accelerates dehydration)
• Weapons or fireworks (illegal in National Forests)
• Pets (not permitted; dangerous around ATVs)
• Drones (require permits and awareness of airspace)

A Sample Packing List for Your 3-Hour Tour

In a small backpack:

• Water bottle or hydration bladder (3 liters)
• Trail mix or energy bars (300–500 calories)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Phone and ID
• Small first-aid items (blister treatment, band-aids)
• Trash bag for cleanup
• Extra gloves (if spring/fall)
• Camera

Worn or in pockets:

• Boots (you're wearing them)
• Helmet (guide provides or you bring)
• Riding jacket (provided or you bring)
• Base layers and outer layer
• Gloves (provided or you bring)

Left in your car (for after the ride):

• Change of clothes
• Toiletries and water for shower
• Post-tour snacks or meal

Final Pre-Tour Checklist

Before arriving at Nomad Yellowstone for your tour:

• ✓ Drink water the night before (arrive hydrated)
• ✓ Eat a light breakfast 1–2 hours before the tour
• ✓ Pack your water and snacks
• ✓ Bring ID, phone, medications
• ✓ Wear proper boots (no exceptions)
• ✓ Apply sunscreen
• ✓ Confirm weather and adjust layers accordingly
• ✓ Inform guides of any health concerns or dietary restrictions

Proper preparation transforms a good tour into an unforgettable experience. Most riders who have difficulty on tours regret not bringing enough water or snacks. This is easily preventable.

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