Skip to content
Mount Rainier Climbing permit

Rainier Gear Checklist

What to carry on Rainier, and why. 8 more are worth the pack space.

8Total Items
8To bring

What to bring on Rainier

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Crampons and ice axe

  • Bring

    Rope, harness and crevasse rescue gear

    NPS can deny a climbing permit for lack of gear or experience or both

  • Bring

    Helmet

  • Bring

    A stove and pot; there is no liquid water at either high camp

  • Bring

    Cold-weather layers for storm conditions that can arrive in summer

  • Bring

    Water treatment or the fuel to boil

    since NPS requires melted snow be treated or boiled

  • Bring

    A wand set for whiteout navigation on the upper glaciers

  • Bring

    A current weather forecast obtained before you start; rangers at Camp Muir and Camp Schurman can update it

12 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 Rainier — the Mount Rainier 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 Rainier

💡 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.