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John Muir Trail permit

JMT Yosemite Gear Checklist

What to carry on JMT Yosemite, 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 JMT Yosemite

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

    A stove; campfires are prohibited above 9,600 feet and most of the JMT is above it

    Permit rule: “Campfires are prohibited above 9,600 feet”

  • Bring

    An approved bear canister

    required throughout Yosemite, with no exception for through-hikers, and rentable at any wilderness permit station for $5 a week

  • Bring

    Water treatment for three weeks of Sierra creeks and lakes

  • Bring

    Warm layers and a real shelter

    Donohue Pass is 11,056 feet and the passes south of it are higher

  • Bring

    Your permit, picked up in person; there is no printing it at home

  • Bring

    Microspikes and an ice axe for an early-season start, when the passes still hold snow

  • Bring

    A resupply plan by General Delivery to Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows post offices

    ranger stations do not accept food packages

  • Bring

    Sun protection for weeks above treeline

  • Bring

    A second bear canister staged in a resupply box

    since one rarely holds more than about a week of food

  • Bring

    Transport plan for the finish: there is no public transport between Whitney Portal and Yosemite, though Eastern Sierra Transit runs Lone Pine to Mammoth and YARTS runs Mammoth to Yosemite Valley

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 JMT Yosemite — the Yosemite National Park 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 JMT Yosemite

💡 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.