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Wilderness Camping permit

Wilderness Permit Gear Checklist

What to carry on Wilderness Permit, and why. 10 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
10To bring

What to bring on Wilderness Permit

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Water filter or purifier

    all backcountry water must be purified, including the Round Valley spigot

  • Bring

    Chemical or gas stove; fires are prohibited outright

  • Bring

    Cold-weather sleeping system for high-elevation camps in any season

  • Bring

    Cash or check for a same-day permit at Long Valley

  • Bring

    Sun protection at altitude

  • Bring

    Trekking poles and micro-spikes when snow remains at higher elevations near the peak

  • Bring

    A wildlife-proof food container

    there are no lockers in the wilderness and the park highly recommends one

  • Bring

    Extra water capacity in case the Round Valley spigot is dry

  • Bring

    A self-addressed stamped envelope if applying by mail; applications without one are not processed

  • Bring

    Layers for a 30 to 40 degree drop from the desert floor

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 Wilderness Permit — the Mount San Jacinto 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 Wilderness 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.

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