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Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass) permit

Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass) Gear Checklist

What to carry on Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass), and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 3 more are worth the pack space.

4Total Items
1Required
3To bring

What to bring on Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass)

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

    An allowed bear-resistant food canister

    NPS says bears have been successful at obtaining food from backpackers in this area

    Permit rule: “Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required throughout Yosemite Wilderness”

  • Bring

    Water treatment for the Lyell Fork

  • Bring

    A warm sleeping bag

    since cold air pools in the canyon at night

  • Bring

    Head net or repellent in early season, when the meadows hold mosquitoes

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 Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass) — 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 Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass)

💡 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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