What to pack for a hot spring trip
The right packing list depends entirely on where you are going. A resort provides towels; a backcountry pool provides nothing, not even a place to change.
Always bring
- A quick-dry towel. Cotton holds water and turns cold fast, which matters when you are changing outdoors at altitude.
- More drinking water than feels necessary. Hot water dehydrates you quickly, and dizziness on the walk out is the usual reason people get into trouble.
- A dry bag or zip pouch for phone and keys. Steam alone kills electronics over a long soak.
For undeveloped springs
- Water shoes. Natural pools are lined with algae-slick rock and often sharp gravel.
- Cash in small bills for donation boxes and self-pay envelopes, which rarely accept cards.
- A trash bag, and toilet paper plus a trowel if no restrooms are confirmed.
For hike-in springs
- A headlamp, even for a day trip. Soaks run long and the walk out is regularly after dark.
- Layers for the transition from hot water to cold air, which is where people get chilled fastest.
For rough access roads
- A spare tire you have actually checked, plus basic recovery gear. Many of these roads have no cell service and no traffic.
- Check seasonal closures before you drive — mountain forest roads routinely close from first snow until late spring.
Soak kits
3 kits, because a resort day pass and a ten-mile walk to a wild pool need different things.
For undeveloped pools with no staff, no bins and no restrooms.
- View on Amazon: Quick-dry microfiber towel
Quick-dry microfiber towel
Cotton stays wet and gets cold fast at altitude
- View on Amazon: Drinking water
Drinking water
Hot soaking dehydrates you faster than you expect
- View on Amazon: Dry bag for phone & keys
Dry bag for phone & keys
Steam and splash kill electronics; a dry bag is cheap insurance
- View on Amazon: Water shoes
Water shoes
Natural pools are lined with algae-slick rock and sharp gravel
- View on Amazon: Headlamp
Headlamp
Soaks run long and the walk out is regularly after dark
- View on Amazon: Daypack
Daypack
You carry everything over a mile each way
- View on Amazon: First aid kit
First aid kit
No staff, usually no signal, and a long walk back out
Trash bag — pack it out
No bins at undeveloped springs; litter is what gets them closed
Small bills
Donation boxes and self-pay envelopes rarely take cards
quick dry camping towel
The single item most people wish they had brought
Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, and we earn a commission if you book or buy through them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
Ready to pick one?
Answer three questions and we'll rank the springs that fit how you actually want to soak.
Open the matcher →