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Big Basin Day-Use Access permit

Big Basin Day Gear Checklist

What to carry on Big Basin Day, and why. 10 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
10To bring

What to bring on Big Basin Day

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    All your drinking water

    there is none in the park

  • Bring

    Sturdy footwear for trails with down trees to climb over, around or under

  • Bring

    A map

    since there is no cell service

  • Bring

    Sun protection for a canopy that burned

  • Bring

    Warm clothes and a flashlight in case you are caught out after dark

  • Bring

    A parking reservation for summer and holiday weekends

  • Bring

    A card for water at the kiosk

    bottles are $3 and cash is not accepted

  • Bring

    Long sleeves and long pants for regrowth-choked trail edges

  • Bring

    A check of the park's trail status page before arriving

  • Bring

    Arriving by bike or bus, which is free and needs no reservation

Going as a group? Split this list between you so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Big Basin Day — the Big Basin Redwoods State Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Big Basin Day

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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