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Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang permit

Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang Gear Checklist

What to carry on Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 4 more are worth the pack space.

5Total Items
1Required
4To bring

What to bring on Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang

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

    hanging or counterbalancing is not legal anywhere in Yosemite Wilderness

    Permit rule: “Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required for food storage in all areas of Yosemite Wilderness”

  • Bring

    A stove

    because you will be camping above the 9,600-foot fire line most nights

  • Bring

    Wind shell and a warm layer for the exposed Vogelsang basin

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Trowel and bags to pack out toilet paper, which Yosemite requires

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 Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang — 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 Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang

💡 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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