We love a good trip to Tahoe for the weekend. The massive lake, beautiful bays, waterfalls, and hiking trails will surely fill your time. But what to pack?
10 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT TO TAKE ON YOUR TRIP TO LAKE TAHOE
1. Snacks & Food
Outside of the obvious of breakfast, lunch, dinners and liquids. Make sure to pack an overwhelming amount of snacks for the whole family. After sightseeing natural attraction favorites like Cascade Falls, Monkey Rock, Emerald Bay, and Balancing Rock Nature Trail you're bound to be wiped out. We know better than most that the power of snack can give a second wind to even the crankiest of kids.
2. First Aid Kit
- With the lake spanning over 190 miles there are no shortage of off the beaten path adventures. Longer day hikes within South Lake Tahoe will require a more comprehensive pack of basic necessities (like the 'Extra Layers' stated below.) Don't forget to pack a First Aid Kit for the journey. From bug bites and minor scratches to sprains and fractures, make sure to pick up a kit that'll cover all the bases. Even moderate hikes like the one to Fairy Falls and less strenuous family-friendly walks around the more populated attractions can result in unplanned injury.
3. Extra Layers + Other Weather Add-Ons
- Pack clothing for all weather conditions. Cold fronts and inclement weather can happen anytime of the year. Like most parts of the United States, the park may experience large temperature fluctuations between morning and night. Sunscreen, bug spray, sun hat, winter hat, raincoat, winter coat--the whole 9 yards. Keep an eye on the forecast of course, but be prepared for all situations.
4. Bear Spray
Don't skip on this one. Lake Tahoe is home to both Black Bears. Even if you don't plan to venture into the thick of it, Bear Spray is a must year-round.
5. Big Gas Grill 3X
- There are over a dozen campsites around Lake Tahoe. Many in which can be booked out in advance. Both Emerald Bay State Park and Camp Richardson Resortoffer family friendly amenities as well as reservations. Be sure to purchase a cooking system fit for feeding the entire family. The Big Gas Grill 3X is cook ready within minutes (yes, it even includes a 2-burner grill box!) It's the type of set-up that'll make your campsite neighbors jealous. Don't forget the propane tank!
6. 1-Burner Griddle
- Since you're packing a Big Gas Grill 3X with an included 2-burner grill box, why not add a little versatility with that last burner? Bringing along a 1-burner griddle will make morning pancakes a breeze.
7. Collapsible Garbage Can
- We think a little housekeeping is in order. Not only is it a basic requirement to clean up after yourself, it's also prudent considering the wildlife that call Lake Tahoe the surrounding area home.
8. All-Purpose Chef Set
- You won't get very far behind the grill without a trusty 5-Piece All-Purpose Chef Set, built for outdoor cookery. You'll get a serving spoon, a knife, spatula, and a pair of tongs all wrapped up in a weather-proof pouch.
9. Portable Fire Pit
- Many campsites come equipped with a fire pit ring. However, city-wide fire bans are typically always in place.
10. Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing in Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is filled with wildlife--beavers, mountain lions, bears, birds, and more all claim the gorgeous natural lake as their home. While there aren't specific locations dedicated to viewing the wildlife, you can get great views from some of the trails or the Heavenly Mountain Gondola. Bank on early mornings and evenings being the best times for animal sightings due to their feeding schedules. Viewing them is often chalked up to luck. A pair of Bushnell Prime, 8x42 Binoculars will assist you in viewing the wildlife from a safe distance (The National Park Service suggests that park goers remain at a minimum of 100 yards for bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife.) These viewers offer a superior blend of magnification and field of view, ideal for birds and other moving wildlife in any weather situation. Plus, the all-new Exclusive EXO Barrier Protection is rugged enough for any camping trip, protecting your binoculars against scratches while repelling water, oil, dust, and other debris.
