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Backpacking Zone permit

Backpack Permit Gear Checklist

What to carry on Backpack Permit, and why. 5 more are worth the pack space.

5Total Items
5To bring

What to bring on Backpack Permit

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    More water capacity than you think you need, and a filter. Sources vary by canyon and by season

    check coepark.net before you pick a route

  • Bring

    Exact change for the entrance station

    since the visitor center is not always open to take a card

  • Bring

    Sun protection. Much of the park is open grassland and oak savanna with long exposed climbs

  • Bring

    Boots that handle steep, loose descents

    Coe goes up and down hard

  • Bring

    A stove, and a map you have actually read; the trail network is large and the signage is sparse in places

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 Backpack Permit — the Henry W. Coe 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 Backpack Permit

💡 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.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, PermitSnag earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. This helps us keep the lights on and continue building tools to help you get into the backcountry.