Skip to content
Back to Sierra NF Wilderness

Sierra NF Wilderness Gear Checklist

Everything you need for your Sierra NF Wilderness adventure. 1 required items and 1 recommended items.

2Total Items
1Required
1Recommended
🎒
Required
BearVault

BV500 Bear Canister

Required for wilderness areas with bear activity

2 lbs 9 ozrequiredfood-storage
$79.95
🎒
Recommended
Nemo

Nemo Hornet Elite 2P

Ultralight 2-person tent perfect for backpacking

2 lbsultralightbackpacking
$449.95

Gear Tips for Sierra NF Wilderness

⚠️ Required Gear

  • •Bear-resistant food canister for the areas that require it
  • •Map and compass or a downloaded offline map — most of the area has no cell service
  • •Water treatment
  • •Photo ID matching the permit for pickup
  • •Layers for high-elevation weather in any month

✓ Recommended Gear

  • •Satellite messenger for a range with no coverage
  • •Microspikes and an ice axe for early-season passes
  • •A trowel and the discipline to bury waste 6 to 8 inches deep and 100 feet from water
  • •Mesh strainer and a plan for grey water

💡 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.