Celebrating National Park Week: Our Team’s Favorite Parks & Must-Have Gear
National Park Week is here, and at UCO Gear, we’re all about celebrating the wild places that inspire our adventures. From towering peaks to rugged coastlines, our team has explored some of the most breathtaking landscapes the U.S. has to offer. Here’s a look at our favorite national parks, what we brought with us, and the moments we’ll never forget.
Glacier National Park – Matt’s 24-Hour Adventure
"I was only in Glacier for 24 hours, but it was unforgettable. I woke up in the back of my truck to a fresh inch of snow, tanked up on coffee, and sprinted around all day in a photo frenzy!" – Matt
What Matt Packed:
✔ Flatpack Firepit & Grill – Perfect for quick, easy campfires in the cold.
✔ Sprout LED Lantern – Sunrise and sunset photography waits for no one.
✔ Plenty of coffee – Because sleep is optional when you’re chasing epic views.
Yellowstone, Redwoods & Olympic National Park – Eric’s Wild Favorites
Eric has explored several national parks, but these spots hold a special place in his heart:
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Yellowstone National Park – The raw power of geysers, wildlife encounters, and epic landscapes make every visit an adventure.
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Norwegian Memorial Beach (Olympic National Park) – "Exploring tide pools and climbing driftwood is the best way to spend a day."
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Lake Crescent (Olympic National Park) – Serene waters and lush forests make this a picture-perfect getaway.
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Redwoods National Park – "Fern Valley and the Boy Scout Tree Trail? Unreal. Massive trees, pristine creeks, and rivers—it’s a dreamland."
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Mt. Rainier (White River + Tipsoo Lake) – "Walking above the tree line and looking down at the valleys—it’s the kind of view that stays with you forever."
What Eric Packed:
✔ Utility Spork – Because nothing ruins a good meal like forgetting utensils.
✔ Titan Stormproof Matches – The Pacific Northwest can be wet, but these never fail.
✔ Flatpack Firepit & Grill – Perfect for campfire stories after a long day on the trails.
North Cascades – Brooke’s Golden Larches
"Larches in the fall and the first bloom of pasqueflowers in the spring—North Cascades is pure magic." – Brooke
What Brooke Packed:
✔ 6-Piece Mess Kit – Easy to pack and eco-friendly.
✔ Tinkham EDC Folding Knife – Early morning hikes and late-night trail wandering are a must with this teeny tiny everyday carry folding knife that disappears into my pocket.
Lake Clark & Smoky Mountains – Kerrie’s Love for Bears & Wildflowers
"Bears. And more bears. Oh, and the wildflowers! Lake Clark National Park and Smoky Mountains have some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen." – Kerrie
What Kerrie Packed:
✔ Collapsible Candle Lantern – A warm glow for those crisp, cool nights, plus it downs down to just 4 inches making it super portable and easy to toss into a bag. Don't forget the USA made beeswax candles too.
✔ 4-Piece Eco Mess Kit (Chili Red) – Highly visible and perfect for keeping snacks handy on a long hike.
Where’s Your Favorite National Park?
We love hearing about our community’s adventures, too! Share your favorite national park memories with us and tag @UCOGear on social media. Need new gear for your next trip? Check out our latest campfire essentials like the Cookit Camp Kitchen and mess kits to make your next adventure even better.
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