Skip to content
Lost Coast Trail permit

Lost Coast Gear Checklist

What to carry on Lost Coast, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 9 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
1Required
9To bring

What to bring on Lost Coast

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

  • Required

    Bear canister

    hard-sided, required

    Permit rule: “Hard-sided bear canisters required—bears are very active on this trail”

  • Bring

    Tide chart and knowledge of how to read it

  • Bring

    Sturdy waterproof footwear

    wet feet are inevitable

  • Bring

    Water filter

    creek water plentiful but must be treated

  • Bring

    Rain gear and warm layers

    fog and wind common

  • Bring

    Gaiters to keep sand and debris out of boots

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for boulder fields and creek crossings

  • Bring

    Binoculars for wildlife viewing

  • Bring

    Whistle and bear spray

  • Bring

    Satellite communicator

    no cell service

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 Lost Coast — the King Range National Conservation Area 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 Lost Coast

💡 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.