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Pfeiffer Big Sur Hike/Bike Sites permit

Hike/Bike Gear Checklist

What to carry on Hike/Bike, and why. 10 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
10To bring

What to bring on Hike/Bike

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    A bicycle or your own two feet

    a vehicle disqualifies you from these sites

  • Bring

    Shower tokens from the kiosk

    $1 for five minutes

  • Bring

    Firewood bought at the kiosk

  • Bring

    Lights and high-visibility kit for riding Highway 1

  • Bring

    Warm layers for a cold, shaded canyon

  • Bring

    Repair kit and spares

  • Bring

    A cooler or food bag that fits the metal storage bin

  • Bring

    Rain gear outside high summer

  • Bring

    Long sleeves and long pants for poison oak on the trails

  • Bring

    A Caltrans check for one-way controls before riding

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 Hike/Bike — the Pfeiffer Big Sur 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 Hike/Bike

💡 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.