Summer in Montana doesn’t wait for you to be ready. One minute it's snowing sideways, the next you're packing up for an impromptu river trip. Whether you're planning weekend hikes, fly fishing escapes, or backcountry adventures, getting your gear dialed in now will save you a ton of stress later. Here's your no-nonsense checklist to kick off the season right.
Tune Your Toys
Montana summers are short and packed with opportunity — your gear needs to keep up.
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Bikes: Check your tires for wear, tighten your brakes, lube your chain, and make sure your suspension is in good shape. A quick spring tune-up can save you from walking your bike back down from Leverich.
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Fly Rods: Inspect your rods for cracks or damage, clean your fly line, and organize your fly boxes. (Yes, those hoppers from last fall are still stuck in your vest.)
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Boats and Rafts: Inspect for leaks or soft spots, check valves, and make sure your life jackets are in good condition. Bonus points if you locate last year's rogue sunscreen tube before it explodes in the heat.
Freshen Your Camp Kit
Nothing ruins a last-minute trip faster than moldy gear or a missing tent pole.
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Tents and Sleeping Bags: Air everything out, re-waterproof your tent, and check for broken zippers or bent stakes.
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Camp Kitchens: Take inventory of your stove, fuel, and utensils. Restock the essentials — like coffee and matches — so you're not scrambling in the woods.
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Coolers: Scrub out any lingering "science experiments" from last season. Future you will be grateful.
Update Your Go-Bag
Montana weather is unpredictable, even in the summer. Pack a grab-and-go kit so you're ready for anything.
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Layers for every temperature
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Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
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Bug spray (mandatory by June)
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Basic first aid kit (restocked and ready)
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Bear spray (check the expiration date — and replace if needed)
Check Your Permits and Passes
From fishing licenses to national forest permits, now’s the time to get your paperwork in order. Nothing's worse than reaching your favorite river only to realize your fishing license expired last month.
Make a Hit List
Montana summers fly by. Make a list of the trails, lakes, rivers, and road trips you want to tackle this year. Having a few go-to ideas means you'll actually do them instead of talking about it until October.
Adventure favors the prepared — especially under the Big Sky. Knock out your gear prep now, and you'll be ready to chase every sunset, summit, and spontaneous weekend trip that comes your way.
