Skip to content
Back to Half Dome

Half Dome Gear Checklist

Everything you need for your Half Dome 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 Half Dome

⚠️ Required Gear

  • •Sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction
  • •Headlamp with extra batteries (most hikes start pre-dawn)
  • •At least 4 liters of water per person
  • •Grippy work gloves for the cables (essential)

✓ Recommended Gear

  • •Trekking poles (helpful for steep descent)
  • •Via ferrata harness and lanyard (optional for nervous hikers)
  • •Lightweight rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms common)
  • •Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • •High-calorie snacks and lunch
  • •Water filter (can refill at Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley)

💡 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.