All Seasons Essentials Hot Springs Packing List + Etiquette
Getting ready and packing for a hot spring isn’t something we do every day, so having this all seasons hot springs packing list is a must! Especially so we don’t forget anything – I myself can be guilty of it, so I also love packing lists. But this one is a bit better because it’s even directed towards different seasons too!
GENERAL PACKING (+ SPRING & SUMMER)
Pass, Permit, or Ticket
When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, there are passes for just about everything. But the money from those passes goes toward supporting the clean-up and road maintenance for those areas. It’s worth it! I’ve been free places, and I generally notice a difference; especially with the miles of potholes and scattered garbage.
Every hot spring requires different passes, permits, or tickets depending upon which you decide to go to. But these three are the most common, as a baseline.
America The Beautiful Pass For All The United States (&) Washington Specific Passes
For some hot springs, they could require overnight permits, or even tickets because they are on private property. Without having these on your hot springs packing list, you risk getting kicked out or ticketed.
Food – Snacks & Meals
Of course, no matter where you travel, having snacks or even planning for meals is a great way to stay on top of your energy. Not to mention also for your recovery and preventing hangry emotions! ha!
I’ve written an article dedicated to some of the perfect snacks below. Whether it be for a road trip, hike, or other outdoor adventure.
➔ CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON PACKING TRAVEL SNACKS
Water & Electrolytes
First, electrolytes are highly underrated, and I understand why! Most people try avoid the sugar spike that comes along with most of them, but these that I’ve mentioned use natural sugars like stevia or coconut, so they aren’t as painfully sweet as the others that I’ve tried.
Not to mention, the flavors are great!
Overall, electrolytes provide the body with minerals that support it’s ability to better absorb water. Which in return, prevents dehydration, muscle cramps, dizziness, etc.
Hot springs can cause you to sweat more than usual, which increases your risk of dehydration. Aim to drink about 8 oz (one glass) of water every 15–20 minutes.
Water Bottles & Water Jug
Well, you’re going to need somewhere to put your electrolytes and water, right?
These stainless steel water bottles keep your water cold for hours, whereas the larger one is just made of silicone. So, it’s great for extra water storage, backpacking, and being lightweight for any adventure trip.
Also, I will say that’s better to put the electrolytes in the stainless steel water bottles vs. the large silicone ones. For the silicone one, it’s better to have it just be water. As when having anything with sugar (natural or not) it can create a layer of film which can be more difficult to clean out for the silicone jug. But easy for the stainless steel.
When it comes to soaking in hot springs, if you’ll need about 8 oz of water every 20-ish minutes, then an hour of soaking should reflect bringing about 32 oz of water. So be sure to plan and pack accordingly!
Sun Protection
Not all sunscreens are equally great, and what I mean by this is some are filled to the brim with chemicals and some barely stay on. These are great for travel, eco-friendly (in tins), non-toxic, and easy to bring along on your trip.
However, when it comes to soaking in the hot springs be sure to either keep on parts of your body you don’t plan on soaking, or put it on after you’re done. DO NOT contaminate the water with products. Layers of the product will sit at the top and change the P.H. and/ or make less enjoyable for others!
When it comes to eco-friendly sunglasses, there’s a wide variety of styles and materials. I’d recommend taking a look at trying to buy them from the company or even shopping at the co-op here.
Swim Suit & Towel
Well, of course, going to anything that involves swimming or soaking should also include bring a swimsuit. But for hot springs, I’d specifically recommend getting one that’s darker in color. Many of the minerals in a hot spring can be brown, which can stain lighter-colored swimsuits.
Funny enough, my go-to is black anyway! This top and bottom set is super comfy and made out of recycled materials! Which is even better!
If it’s not your style, feel free to click the button and check out some of the other products that they have available too!
TIP: Also, don’t forget the reusable bag or dry bag for carrying your wet bathing suit in too!
Comfortable hiking Shoes & Sandals/Water Shoes
I’d say that about half of the hot springs I’ve been to require some sense of hiking or backpacking. Especially in Washington or Oregon. So, having the right hiking gear is also important.
At first, I’d thought that having hiking boots with ankle support was better, but I’d noticed the same level of protection and then also got more friction blisters on my ankles anyway. So, once I overcame that idea, I went for these trail runners and haven’t looked back.
I’m an absolute sucker for these hiking shoes, I’ve bought about 3 pairs now! I’ve even gotten a couple of my friends hooked on them, and they are by far the best quality I’ve ever had.
Alongside those hiking shoes, having sandals is also a great idea for protecting your feet from the rocks at the bottom. As well as when you get out of the hot springs. I love these sandals because they are flexible, lightweight, great for travel, and also super comfy. Oh yeah, and part of them is made from recycled material!
When it comes to these toe socks, these are great for preventing friction blisters between your toes when hiking or backpacking. Plus they are made out of recycled material too and also have a lip in the back for preventing blisters there too!
Backpack & Waterproof Bag/Dry Bag
Sometimes I try out different packs to see which I like best, but nothing truly compares to how lightweight, flexible, and comfortable this backpack is. Although it’s not waterproof, everything else about it is great! So, I usually make my way back to this, no matter how much I stray from time to time. It’s a great foundational backpack!
It’s also no secret that digging in and out of a pack when visiting hot springs is common. So, when protecting your phone, keys, and snacks from getting waterlogged, having these dry bags can be great to have.
Rain Gear: Jacket, Umbrella, etc.
If you’re someone from the PNW, or any other area that rains frequently, then you’ve probably got the rain jacket or none of these. Maybe you’re someone that embraces the rain?
But if you’re someone who’s not the biggest fan of the rain, then these are for you!
Garbage Bag & Scrap Bag
When traveling, I often bring a garbage bag and a compostable scrap bag for the organic waste. Which I then try to drop off at compost afterward.
Although these are some good options, a grocery store plastic bag also works! I grab those from some of my family members who have an abundance of them, or from those who aren’t as open-minded to being eco-friendly.
First aid & Emergency Supplies
Most hot springs are often on the side of a mountain, an inactive volcano, or even by large powerful rivers. So, having gear to accommodate and keep you safe is essential.
Whether that be a first aid kit,, extra clothes, and additional survival supplies.
It’s often said that for precaution, it’s good to bring at least 3 days worth of supplies just in case. In all honesty, I’m a snack-packing queen, I probably bring at least 3 days of snacks no matter where I’m going anyways ha!
Along with bringing at least 3 days of emergency supplies, a good recommendation is to bring at least three different ways of lighting a fire in an emergency too. Which could be matches, lighter, flint stick, etc.
EXTRAS TO BRING IN THE FALL & WINTER
It’s especially important to bring even more emergency supplies in the winter time because you can run the risk of being stranded in deep snowfalls or sudden weather changes, like storms.
So, in the summer and spring, although you may not feel that it can be necessary, there should be no avoiding it in the winter months and you should in fact pack and prep more!
Snow Shoes AND/OR Crampons/Spikes/Traction
As the PNW has gotten colder, people are stocking up on winter gear and trying to make the most out of it. So, inserting snowshoeing, hiking in the winter, and even soaking in the hot springs in the winter is a new fan favorite.
Snow Boots + Winter Socks & Trekking Poles
For myself, since I just play in the snow a little here and there, I’ve come to settle into these vegan boots, made from some recycled materials, lightweight, and yet comfy boots! As well as the eco socks that are also made from recycled materials. They both keep the feet super warm and cozy!
Winter Coat & Hat & Gloves
Last years, winter settled in a bit stronger, so purging to a new winter coat that full of all the fun layers was a fun upgrade. This coat is a 3-in-1 jacket full of different layers, making it more interchangeable and adjustable for your needs and even accommodating the many mood changes that the weather decides to have.
Plus, the classic go-to hat, and waterproof gloves to compliment!
HOT SPRINGS ETIQUETTE
Leave No Trace
Essentially, the principles of Leave No Trace give a sense of direction and guidelines for the steps we can take while being out in nature so that everyone can preserve and enjoy the outdoors.
First and foremost, Leave No Trace is a non-profit organization that has established a foundation of ethics and the best practices for minimizing impact to our beloved outdoors, using research-based solutions.
The purpose is to build foundational respect for our wild places, and so we can protect the integrity and the longevity of the land.
➔ Read more about Leave No Trace, Why It’s important and how to do it here!
Be Mindful Of Your Body
This can mean a couple of different things:
-Don’t soak with open wounds. This can not only welcome bacteria into your wound, but it can also contaminate the water.
-Know that it’s okay to take breaks getting in and out or sticking parts of your body out to allow yourself to cool off. There’s no need to push yourself or your body too much.
-Drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated. It can be difficult to see how much you’re sweating and how much water you’re losing while soaking.
Don’t Bring Animals
Once when I was road tripping along the windy roads of Idaho, I’d stopped on the side of the road to soak in a hot spring. While soaking, I noticed that there were tons of signs saying “Beware – Extremely hot, do not touch.” Which could lead to third degree burns.
Unfortunately while the owner was soaking, the dog got was walking around, not being able to read nor be directed and walked right into the stream burning all their paws. The yelping was rough!
Plus, dogs roll around in dirt, have flee medicine on them, and can often contaminate the hot springs.
It’s best to not bring dogs or any animals!
Avoid Bringing Glass
Think of it this way, glass shards are awfully difficult to clean up. Especially underneath the water. The entire hot springs would probably need to get drained and then filled back up again. If it were a tub or a regulated pool style. But for the wild ones, how’s that getting cleaned up?
Let’s not risk it, don’t bring the glass! Opt for the stainless steel, keeping your water cool for longer anyway.
Sharing Is Caring
These hot springs are naturally created, cared for, and posted for all to enjoy!
Also, be sure to give people their space though too. This could be asking to join in a pool or simply reading body language too.
One of us isn’t more entitled to it than the other. We all want to enjoy the benefits, relax, and enjoy. So, be sure to scoot on over, be friendly, and remember it’s a public place. Not to mention magical, and peaceful too!
Check & Pack For The Weather in that Area
There’s a big difference between the weather in which you live and the weather in which you’ll be in when traveling. So, try looking at the weather forecast for where you’ll be visiting.
All to often people don’t realize that the temperature changes in the mountains is drastically different from in the city. Plus, the breeze, tree coverage, and the elevation should all be considered.
PS: It’s important to keep an eye out for road closures, downed tree, icy roads, and snow mounds that could prevent your trip from happening too!
Avoid Drugs & Alcohol
Although hot springs are great, they don’t pair very well with drugs and alcohol. Typically, our blood pumps faster, things out and can get someone more wasted than they expected.
Which can result in extreme dehydration, vomiting, fainting, etc.
Plus, many of the hot springs don’t allow them anyway! So, it’s best to leave it at home.
Don’t Contaminate The Water
This one might sound easy, but many seem to overlook it or just flat-out forget. Here are some things to avoid wearing to avoid contaminating the hot spring:
- Makeup
- Perfume/Cologne
- Essential Oils
- Diapers
- Menstrual pads
- Body lotion/oil
- Sunscreen (On what’s going into the water)
Birthday Suits Are Common
I remember one of the first hot springs I’d gone to was in Oregon, and I’d seen a man naked and just being covered by the guitar that he was playing. I was in shock but noticed that most people weren’t phased by it. But he was the only one in his birthday suit. Until I decided to also give it a try!
I will say that it’s fairly common at most hot springs, but be sure to ‘read the room’, and see if there are kids to see if it’s something that would be welcome. Even if we are okay with it, not everyone else it, and we’re just here to relax.
Also, I will say that although a birthday suit can be fun, I’ve often worn a swimsuit just for my own body protection, having layers between the minerals and any of the algae has just been my personal preference and that’s okay if it is yours too!
Feel no pressure to do either, but be sure to be mindful of others and the rules of the hot springs themselves. Each of the rules varies from hot springs to hot springs, with where they’re located, and if it’s private property or not.
All Seasons Hot Springs Packing List FAVORITES AND RECAP
I’m sure that you’ve found at least a couple of new products to try out or add to your all seasons hot springs packing list.
Do you have any hot springs favorites that you bring that weren’t included? Did you find a new favorite from this hot springs packing list? Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know!
Enjoy your hot springs soak, and maybe add some new hot springs to your bucketlist below!
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