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Cathedral Lakes permit

Cathedral Lakes Gear Checklist

What to carry on Cathedral Lakes, 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 Cathedral Lakes

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

    An allowed bear-resistant canister

    this is a rule, not a suggestion, and rentals are available at wilderness permit stations

    Permit rule: “Allowed bear-resistant canisters are required everywhere in the Yosemite Wilderness; hanging or counterbalancing food is not legal”

  • Required

    Trowel and a bag for packing out toilet paper

    Permit rule: “Bury human waste 4 to 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water, trails and camps; pack out toilet paper”

  • Bring

    Water filter, treatment or a stove to boil with

  • Bring

    A stove

    since campfires are banned in both Cathedral Lake basins

  • Bring

    Warm layers for nights above 9,000 feet, including in midsummer

  • Bring

    Sun protection for long stretches of open granite

  • Bring

    Head net and repellent for the early-summer mosquito weeks

  • Bring

    A topographic map

    this is a junction-heavy stretch of the JMT

  • Bring

    Rain shell for afternoon thunderstorms

  • Bring

    Camp shoes

    because the granite is hard on feet

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 Cathedral Lakes — 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 Cathedral Lakes

💡 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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