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Kearsarge Pass (JMT) permit

Kearsarge Pass (JMT) Gear Checklist

What to carry on Kearsarge Pass (JMT), and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 8 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
2Required
8To bring

What to bring on Kearsarge Pass (JMT)

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A bear-resistant container

    required in the Kearsarge Pass area, not optional

    Permit rule: “Bear-resistant container use is required in the Kearsarge Pass area”

  • Required

    A California Campfire Permit, which Inyo requires to operate a stove

    Permit rule: “Campfires are prohibited in the Kearsarge Pass / Onion Valley area, including Golden Trout Lakes and Robinson Lake, and above 10,400 feet south of the Glacier Divide”

  • Bring

    A stove

    since campfires are prohibited throughout this area

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Layers for an 11,700-foot pass, where afternoon weather turns fast

  • Bring

    Sun protection for a mostly shadeless 2,600-foot climb

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the switchbacked climb and the descent back over the pass

  • Bring

    Downloaded maps

    Inyo warns most of the forest has no cell service

  • Bring

    Printed permit

    since printing is what stops the 10 am no-show cancellation

  • Bring

    Bags for packing out toilet paper

15 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them 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 Kearsarge Pass (JMT) — the Inyo National Forest 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 Kearsarge Pass (JMT)

💡 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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