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High Sierra Trail permit

High Sierra Trail Gear Checklist

What to carry on High Sierra Trail, 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 High Sierra Trail

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

    Bags for packing out toilet paper

    Permit rule: “Bury human waste at least 6 inches deep and 100 ft from trails, camps and water, and pack out used toilet paper”

  • Bring

    An allowed animal-resistant food container

    required wherever there are no food boxes or suitable trees

  • Bring

    A stove, given the campfire bans across most of the route's elevation bands

  • Bring

    Water treatment; SEKI's instruction is to boil, treat or filter

  • Bring

    A resupply-free food carry for 6 or more days, or a plan to exit at Whitney Portal

  • Bring

    Layers for a route that runs from the Giant Forest to 14,505 feet

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the steep rocky switchbacks into and out of the Kern Trench

  • Bring

    A satellite device you actually know how to operate

    SEKI warns not to rely on one to summon help

  • Bring

    A shuttle or car plan for Whitney Portal, 72 miles and a mountain range from your car

  • Bring

    Something to swim in for Kern Hot Springs

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.

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