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What to pack for Montana in August
Typical August, built from ten years of weather
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Typical for your dates
Highs 79°F, lows 54°F, rain 3 of 31 days
high UVdrywarm
Sunset lands around 8:30pm. Wind averages 9 mph. No border paperwork on this one.
0 of 44 packed
Packing for
46 things on this list are on sale today
Essentials
9 items
UV index of 9.3 burns exposed skin in under 15 minutes.
Glare off alpine lakes and snow patches makes eyes water by afternoon.
Mosquitoes breed in high-altitude water and swarm near dusk.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Altitude and unfamiliar terrain mean minor cuts and sprains happen fast.
Fourteen-hour days drain phone battery before you reach camp.
Three rain days in August means gear stays damp between washes.
Day hikes from camp run 6 to 8 hours in daylight.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Before you go
3 to sort
Recommended
11 items
Fourteen hours of daylight and 79°F highs mean constant sweat on skin.
UV hits 9.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
Rock scrambling and stream crossings are easier in shoes that drain.
At 1470 meters, the sun hits harder and shadows offer real relief.
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Tap water is safe but 14 hours of hiking dries you out.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Single-track trails mean lost bags take days to find.
Wet clothes and dry clothes must stay separate in a tent.
Low humidity and wind dry clothes fast, so wash every three days.
Steep mountain grades and loose scree make knees give out by day three.
Nice to have
8 items you could skip
Daytime temperatures reach 79°F on most days.
Thin mountain air lets UV through to lips without protection.
Mountain roads switchback constantly and altitude makes nausea worse.
Water is safe but hands touch gear and animals all day.
Insect bites itch worse when sunburned skin is already raw.
Charging ports get wet crossing streams and dust clogs them fast.
Hostels and shared lodges are the norm in mountain towns.
Altitude and sun exposure mean sunscreen and lip balm live in your pack.
Basics
16 things you probably own already