Skip to content
High Sierra Trail permit

High Sierra Trail Gear Checklist

What to carry on High Sierra Trail, 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 High Sierra Trail

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

    Bear canister

    hard-sided, IGBC-approved

    Permit rule: “Bear canister mandatory for entire trail”

  • Required

    WAG bag for Whitney Zone portion

    Permit rule: “WAG bag required for Whitney Zone (above Lone Pine Lake)”

  • Bring

    Water filter

    many sources but all require treatment

  • Bring

    Warm sleeping bag rated to 20°F or lower

  • Bring

    Rain gear and insulating layers for high elevation

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    essential for the 6,000 ft descent from Whitney

  • Bring

    Microspikes and ice axe for early season

  • Bring

    Swimsuit for Kern Hot Springs

  • Bring

    Satellite communicator

    no cell service for most of trail

  • Bring

    Tom Harrison High Sierra Trail map

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 High Sierra Trail — the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 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 High Sierra Trail

💡 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.